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The victims are believed to be between the ages of 18 and 25, and were among about 20 people celebrating a birthday party in the Cuba Libre bar when a fire caused death and destruction in the capital of the French region of Normandy.

Witnesses report that the fire began when a birthday cake was dropped, igniting polystyrene that was used for soundproofing in the bar.

A criminal enquiry has now been launched into the tragedy, as family and friends of those who died gathered outside the bar to lay flowers and comfort one another.

One witness said they saw a woman trip as she carried the cake from the basement upstairs to the waiting party guests.

A source said: "She was holding a cake covered in candles but tripped and fell. The candles lit the walls, which were covered in a soft substance used for sound proofing. It is thought that many succumbed to toxic fumes, and were then killed by the fire.

"Lots of those in the bar were teenagers, or in their early twenties. One of those injured is in a critical condition."