UK warns nationals against travel to East Timor

Britain on Monday advised its nationals not to travel to East Timor and warned those already there to leave as violence erupted over Australian troops hunting a fugitive rebel leader.

"We advise against all travel to East Timor," the Foreign Office in London said on its website. "Renewed outbreaks of violence in February and March 2007 have resulted in some fatalities.

"There have also been incidents of looting and attacks on vehicles. There is the potential for foreigners to get caught up in the violence."

The department said the security situation was uncertain and could deteriorate quickly, adding: "If you are currently in East Timor, you should seriously consider leaving by commercial means."

Unrest on the streets of the capital Dili erupted after an unsuccessful raid on the mountain base of renegade army Major Alfredo Reinado, who was implicated in violence last year that left 37 people dead and caused 150,000 to flee.