Brits Urged to Flee Georgia by British Embassy

On Friday, British Ambassador to Georgia Denis Keefe wrote to British citizens in the country advising them to stock up on water, food and fuel.

He said then that there was "no immediate cause for alarm" and British nationals were not being advised to leave the country.

However, on Sunday, the Foreign Office issued new advice.

It said in a statement: "If you or your family have no urgent need to remain in Georgia you should leave as soon as possible.

"It is wise to do so while some air services are still available and the border remains open."

The Foreign Office is also advising against all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and the upper Kodori.