Tunisia: clampdown on security as tourists repatriated

The only people on the beach today in the Tunisian resort of Sousse are armed police officers. There has been a marked security clampdown since 38 people, including at least five British nationals, were killed in a terrorist attack in the country yesterday.

In London, Prime Minister David Cameron has chaired an emergency government meeting to map out the UK’s response to the atrocity.

The Tunisian government has called up army reservists to boost the military presence on the streets.

The authorities say the gunman disguised himself as a holidaymaker to gain access to the hotel complex where he opened fire. The group calling itself Islamic State says it was behind the atrocity.

In response, Prime Minister Habib Essid says around 80 mosques suspected of inciting terrorism will be closed down in Tunisia this week. None will be allowed to operate outside the law, he says.

Travel operators Thomson and First Choice have sent ten planes to Tunisia to bring home the 2,500 British tou