Gourock woman's sister and four children stranded in Sudan

Julia McIntyre's sister Jennifer McLellan, 36, is stranded in the north east African country with her husband and four children. 

The World Health Organisation said more than 400 civilians have been killed in the conflict so far, with more than 1,000 others injured.

Julia said she's concerned that the 'window of opportunity' for her family to escape is 'getting narrower'. 

She said: "They are utterly terrified. 

"My family have followed every single rule that’s been passed onto them from the British Embassy.

"They consistently told my sister to stay put, stay indoors and have the family's travel documents ready.

"Their instructions have been negligent and now they must act fast to evacuate our stranded UK civilians.

"We need them home."

The violent clashes in Sudan’s capital Khartoum are said to be down to a power struggle between the country’s military leaders.

Since April 15, Sudan’s armed forces have been locked in a battle with a paramilitary faction called The Rapid Support Forces.

Julia said with food, water, fuel and power running out the situation is becoming 'hopeless'. 

She has set up a petition calling for the UK government to evacuate UK citizens and more than 1,000 people have signed it already. 

Julia said: "We are looking for as much support as we can gather to ensure the UK government acts and evacuates our loved ones.

"We won't stop until they are home safe.

"Who else is going to support them? 

"We are their voice.

"We really need people to sign the petition."

Ronnie Cowan MP said his office was contacted by Julia on Monday morning.

For access to more exclusive local news subscribe to the Greenock Telegraph HERE

Mr Cowan, who has raised the issue in parliament, said: "The family in Khartoum has young children which makes this terrible situation ever more immediate and pressing.

"Like many foreign nationals in Khartoum, the family has followed the advice given by the UK and other countries which is to stay put.

"The point I raised was about getting vital food and water through to them, now that they have followed this advice.

"As this situation develops, the need to get this Scottish family out of there is becoming clear.

"I want to know what the UK government intends to do, since the bulk of the effort so far seems to have been involving diplomatic staff.

"The clear need now is around all UK nationals in the whole of Sudan.

"My staff gave updated Foreign Office advice to the relatives of the family on Monday, and they stand ready to assist in every way they can."

To sign the petition visit www.change.org/p/commitment-from-british-government-to-evacuate-uk-citizens-from-sudan