Dutch nationals have been urged to leave Libya and travellers warned not to visit the country in transit because of the civil war.

The 70 or so Dutch people living in Libya, of whom around 40 are in the capital Tripoli, have been warned by email and text message to leave.

Germany, France and Britain have also urged their nationals to get out and the Dutch embassy in Tripoli is preparing to shut down. US officials were evacuated on Saturday.

The warnings came after gunmen opened fire on vehicles evacuating British diplomats.

Dozens of people have also been killed in fighting at Benghazi airport, including many civilians.