British travellers in the South American country of Ecuador have been warned to stay indoors after a state of siege was imposed.
President Rafael Correa had to be freed by armed forces from a hospital in the capital Quito where he had been trapped by police protesting against benefit cuts.
The violence began earlier yesterday (Thursday) when hundreds of police officers plunged the country into chaos, shutting down airports and blocking roads in a nationwide strike.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, updating its travel advice, said: “Numerous demonstrations are taking place in favour and against the government across the country.
“British nationals are advised to remain indoors, either at home or in their current location, if safe to do so.
“Those with immediate travel plans may be forced to put them on hold until the situation improves and are advised to contact their airline.”
The president was trapped in the hospital for more than 12 hours after being treated for a tear-gassing during a confrontation with hundreds of angry police officers.
After being freed from the hospital by soldiers, Correa warned that the uprising was more than a simple police protest.
“There were lots of infiltrators, dressed as civilian and we know where they were from,” he said.