UK tourists leave Tunisia amid threat

The first of thousands of British holidaymakers have returned home from Tunisia after a warning that another terror attack is "highly likely".

Thirty Britons were killed in an attack in Sousse last month - and the Foreign Office has urged Britons to leave.

The move drew criticism from tourists and Tunisia, which said it had done all it could to protect people.

But the UK defended its stance - the foreign secretary saying it was "too big a risk" not to issue the advice.

Philip Hammond said the UK hoped to downgrade its travel guidance "in the not too distant future".

A gunman killed 38 holidaymakers in the 26 June beach attack, prompting Tunisia to declare a state of emergency and increased security at tourist sites.

Ireland, where three of the victims were from, has also warned against "all non-essential travel" to the country. Denmark followed suit but Germany, which had one national among the dead, and France have not altered their advice.

Between 2,500 and 3,000 British package holidaymakers are believed to be in Tunisia, as well as about 500 independent travellers.

The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) said its members were aiming to bring customers home in the next 48 hours.

The first British tourists arrived at Manchester Airport shortly after 13:00 BST, with some criticising the government's handling of the situation.

BBC