Tunisia riots: Britons tell of violence

British tourists have described scenes of violence in Tunisia amid a state of emergency prompted by violent protests.

Tour operators have organised emergency flights back to the UK and the majority of holidaymakers are expected to return home by the end of Saturday.

Passengers arriving at Gatwick said it was frightening to see the rioting and the armed guards protecting the planes.

The Foreign Office has advised against all non-essential travel to Tunisia and outbound flights have been cancelled.

A curfew was imposed between 1800 and 0600 local time in and around the capital Tunis.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said British people currently in Tunisia without a pressing need to be there should leave.

"Airspace is currently open over Tunisia, but this situation is moving rapidly and may change," he said.

Foreign Office travel advice states that the situation is "changing rapidly and is unpredictable".

A specialist rapid deployment team has been dispatched to assist embassy staff, which is due to arrive on Sunday.

"We urge any British Nationals in Tunisia to observe the curfews in place and to stay indoors wherever possible," Mr Hague added.