Thousands of Britons leave Tunisia after warning

Thousands of British holidaymakers are to be flown home from Tunisia following warnings that another terrorist attack in the country is “highly likely”.

Thirty Britons were killed in a gun attack in Tunisia last month and the Foreign Office (FCO) has now urged all Britons to leave the country.

Extra security measures there did not provide “adequate protection”, it said.

The Association of British Travel Agents said its members aimed to bring customers home in the next 48 hours.

Between 2,500 and 3,000 British package holidaymakers are believed to be in Tunisia, as well as about 300 independent travellers.

Tour operators Thomson and First Choice have already cancelled all flights to the country for the rest of the summer season.

The two firms have also decided to repatriate all their British staff currently working in Tunisia “within the next 24 hours”.

Thomas Cook, which cancelled all future bookings to Tunisia until 31 October, said it was putting on an extra flight on Friday to bring customers back to the UK.

Meanwhile, Monarch Airlines said it was arranging to repatriate all customers in resorts back to the UK “as soon as possible” in response to the fresh travel advice.

It comes as the funeral of two victims of the attack – Jim and Anne McQuire, from Cumbernauld – will be held in their home town later.