More than 10,000 people have died as a result of a massive earthquake, the epicentre of which is close to the city of Chengdu, whose top-flight football team, Chengdu Blades, is owned by Sheffield United.

Sheffield United Plc chairman Kevin McCabe said: "We are helping in the best way we can the people who have come to know us through the Chengdu Blades. We hope to work with the Chinese government because we have a responsibility to our sister club.

"With some difficulty I've been able to make contact with our colleagues in Chengdu. Thankfully everyone is okay and have welcomed the offers of help and support from Sheffield.

"We will continue to liaise closely with the club and colleagues in Chengdu and have contacted the Government to offer our assistance in any way we can."

The Blades became the first club to purchase a stake in a Chinese league side in October 2006 and last season the Chengdu Blades gained promotion to the top division.