Britons warned to leave Mali after attempted coup

British citizens have been warned to leave the African state of Mali unless they have "urgent business".

The new advice from the Foreign Office follows an attempted military coup in the West African country on 21 March and specifically warns those in the capital, Bamako, to be cautious. In the north of Mali, a rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs appears to be gaining ground.

Few Britons are thought to be currently in the impoverished country. Rebels from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad are trying to carve out a homeland for the Tuareg people.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said: "We advise against all travel to Mali and you should leave if you have no pressing need to remain."