These images of what are being called 'suspicious floating objects' were taken by a Chinese satellite.

They were detected on Sunday in the area of sea where Malaysia Airlines flight MH 370 is thought to have vanished.

They show three unidentified objects, the largest measuring 22 metres by 24.

Previous checks of the area had revealed nothing.

Another search was taking place on Thursday in response to the images.

China's civil aviation chief says there's no proof yet that the objects are linked to the missing aircraft.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang says efforts are underway to identify them as quickly as possible.

At Kuala Lumpur international airport from where the missing plane took off on Saturday messages for the families of the 239 passengers and crew on board were still pouring in.

An international search operation involving ships and aircraft from more than 10 nations has so far failed to find any trace of the plane.