TRAVEL agents in Worcester have urged holidaymakers to keep track of the situation in Kenya - but not to panic.

They are being guided by the Home Office, which has issued a statement advising against non-essential travel to the East African state.

This came after intelligence indicated "there was an imminent threat to UK aviation interests", and all British flights from Kenya were cancelled.

Grapevine Travel, of Victoria Square, Droitwich, has a customer who is due to fly with the company in nine days time.

"British Airways have said they will review the situation in 10 days, but the last I knew foreign airlines were still operating," said Grapevine owner Rod Gethins.

"We as travel agents cannot control the safety of customers though - this is done by the Home Office."

Anyone who has booked a holiday to Kenya is advised to contact their tour operator for information.

One of the country's leading agents, Thomas Cook, said it did not have anyone from Worcestershire or Herefordshire already in Kenya.

A spokesperson for the company's High Street branch said: "People intending to travel to Kenya in the near future should seek advice from their tour operator or airline. Customer safety is paramount to us."

The last British Airways flight from Kenya landed in the early hours of yesterday morning, and other airlines were advised to follow suit.

But foreign airlines, such as Kenya Airlines, were still flying in and out of both countries.

Foreign nationals in Kenya have been advised to keep a low profile and to maintain a high level of vigilance in public places.

MP Mike O'Brien, foreign office minister, refused to comment on the specific nature of the threat.

"What we know is there is some information which enables us to to say we are now extremely worried that something might happen," he said.

"We had to give this warning and we are now looking at the situation from day to day and we will have to make an assessment as things become clearer."

Kenya has been the scene of terrorist activity before. There was a devastating car bomb attack on an Israeli-owned hotel in Mombasa last November and at the same time, two missiles were fired at an Israeli charter jet.

The Foreign Office has opened an advice line. Anyone intending to travel to Kenya should call 0207 008 0000.

n Turn to Page 13