Several countries issue warnings to citizens over UK protests

LONDON: Several countries have issued safety warnings to their citizens in the United Kingdom following days of anti-immigration protests and riots.

Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have all sent out alerts, giving advice to their nationals living in or visiting the UK to stay away from demonstrations, reported German news agency (dpa).

A "travel alert" by the Nigerian Foreign Ministry, based in the capital Abuja, stated that there is "an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK," noting that "the violence has assumed dangerous proportions".

It went on: "Demonstrations by far-right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large, and in some instances unruly."

The High Commission of Malaysia in London posted a message online which read: "Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities."

It also "strongly encouraged" people to register with it to "receive timely information and assistance."

The Indonesian embassy in London also issued a warning, advising its citizens in the UK to avoid large crowds and increase their vigilance.

Violence has broken out in several towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland following the killing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport last week.

Many countries around the world, including the United States, Germany and Denmark, issued travel advice to their citizens following riots in England in summer 2011.

-- BERNAMA