Jubilation in Crimea as 97 per cent vote to join Russia - but Ukrainian prime minister warns separatist leaders that the 'ground will burn under their feet'

Crowds in regional capital Simferopol waved flags and let off fireworks

Ukrainian prime minister vows to hunt down politicians who backed poll

Ballot branded illegal by EU and US who say they will not recognise vote

William Hague has called the vote 'a mockery of democratic practice'

He added that Russia must face 'economic and political consequences'

EU confirms that 'dozens or scores' of Russian officials face sanctions

President Obama says vote will 'never be recognised' by the US

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Fireworks exploded and Russian flags were waved by jubilant crowds last night after Crimea voted overwhelmingly to split from Ukraine and join Russia.
Final results showed 96.6 per cent of voters have backed passing control of the region from Kiev to Moscow.
The result comes after Ukrainian prime minister Arseny Yatseniuk vowed to hunt down the 'separatist leaders' in Crimea, warning that the 'ground will burn under their feet'.

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Crowds of ethnic Russians have been celebrating in Crimea last night after the region overwhelmingly voted in favour of splitting from Ukraine and rejoining Russia

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The EU has confirmed that 'dozens or scores' of Russian officials will face sanctions from tomorrow