The Foreign Office today advised "against all but essential travel" to Nepal because of enhanced tension in the Himalayan country.

The FO warned there was a risk of visiting Britons getting caught up in violence on the streets.

Its advice read: "Those British nationals already in Nepal should decide whether their presence there is essential. We will keep this advice under close review."

The FO said that the political situation in Nepal remained tense and unpredictable and levels of violence remained high across Nepal.

It added that despite a ban, large-scale demonstrations took place in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokahara, and Bardiya over the weekend. Violent clashes took place between demonstrators and police across Nepal. Three people had been killed and hundreds of people have been injured as the police had opened fire on crowds and there had been hundreds of arrests.

The FO's travel advice went on: "The political parties have extended their general strike, which began on April 6, 'until further notice'. Violent flashpoints are likely to continue during this period of instability. You should expect disruption to your journey and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people."