The violence evidenced over the past few days on the streets of Manama between anti-regime protesters and Bahrain’s security forces has escalated, with King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifah declaring a three-month state of emergency yesterday, after enlisting the assistance of 1,000 Saudi Arabian troops and 500 police officers drafted in from other Gulf and UAE states.

International media reports suggest that anti-government protestors have been subjected to tear gas and gunshot wounds and unconfirmed reports suggest at least two people have died in clashes in the south of the country.

Thousands of demonstrators are reported to have taken to the streets over the last few days, leading to the King’s call for assistance from the country’s neighbouring countries.

Several countries are advising their nationals to exercise caution while visiting the country and some, including the UK and Australia are maintaining travel advisories warning their nationals not to visit Bahrain at all.