People are being warned against all travel to Bahrain after intensifying battles between police and anti-government protesters.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office revised its travel advice yesterday while advising Britons living in the Gulf state to remain at home until further notice.
Security forces are reported to have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators who blocked off roads into the financial district of Bahrain’s capital Manama yesterday.
The latest advice upgrades an FCO statement issued last month, which warned against all but essential travel.
In its latest statement, the FCO said: “The risk of further outbreaks of violence has increased.”
It added: “Following an increase in protests over recent days, confrontations between protestors and police on Sunday, reports of protestors establishing roadblocks, and reports that the Saudi National Guard will enter Bahrain, we also advise British nationals currently in Bahrain to remain at home until further notice.
“If British nationals do travel within Bahrain they should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places an on major highways, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
“The airport remains open and transiting through the airport is unaffected by this advice.”