Brits have been told to 'leave Mali immediately' by the UK government following widespread violence and security risks.

A statement from the Foreign Office says: 'FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions. 

'If you’re in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so.

'Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.'

This is a breaking news story, more to follow.