Foreign Office issues urgent travel warning over 'attack targeting popular tourist locations'

UK tourists have been made aware of urgent and 'credible' information received by the US embassy warning of an 'attack targeting popular tourist locations'.

At 9am on October 23, an American embassy in Sri Lanka issued a security alert. US citizens have been 'strongly urged' to avoid the popular tourist area of Arugam Bay until further notice.

The British Foreign Office shared the advice and has urged UK holidaymakers in the region to 'be aware of your surroundings at all times'.

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In a warning issued on Wednesday morning, the Foreign Office said: "At 9am on October 23, the US Embassy in Colombo issued a security alert. 'The US Embassy received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area.

"Due to the serious risk posed by this threat, the Embassy imposed a travel restriction on Embassy personnel for Arugam Bay effective immediately and until further notice. US citizens are strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice.' Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and follow our guidance on safety and security."

The US embassy has urged its citizens in Sri Lanka to report all suspicious activity and emergencies to local authorities and to 'maintain vigilance'. The warning goes on to say: "Trust your gut, if a situation doesn’t feel right, get out of it. Always have some form of communication on you (ie cell phone). Monitor local media for news and updates."