Police in New Zealand have launched a criminal investigation after White Island erupted, leaving Two British women in hospital and killing up to 13 people. The two women were among 47 people on White Island, a volcanic tourist island also known as Whakaari, when it erupted with a large plume of ash and steam at 2.11pm on Monday. As horrific details emerged about the eruption – in which most victims suffered severe burns – New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner John Tims announced the investigation as questions emerged over why tour groups were allowed into the volcano zone despite scientists’ warnings of increased activity. ‘I can confirm now that we will commence a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the death and injuries on White Island,’ Mr Tims told a press conference, adding the probe would run parallel to an investigation by WorkSafe New Zealand. Of the 47 people, 34 were rescued from the island and 31 of them remain in hospital, some of them critically wounded. Five are dead, leaving eight unaccounted for. UK high commissioner Laura Clarke did not give details of the two British women’s injuries, but many people have suffered severe burns. Tourists from Australia, the US,…