HMS Duncan, RFA Cardigan Bay and RAF helicopters on standby in Lebanon security crisis

Military personnel are being deployed to help British nationals stuck in Lebanon where fears of war with Israel are growing.

RAF helicopters are on standby in the region, while HMS Duncan and RFA Cardigan Bay are already in the eastern Mediterranean to support allies with humanitarian requirements.

The Foreign Office is renewing calls for British citizens to leave Lebanon.

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Armed forces personnel are to provide embassies with operational support to help British nationals.

British nationals in Lebanon are advised to sign up to Register Your Presence to receive the latest information and important updates directly from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). 

Tensions are high after leaders of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Hamas were assassinated last week, with Iran threatening retaliation against Israel. 

Foreign Secretary David Lammy, said: "The situation could deteriorate rapidly".

"While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear – leave now.

"A widening of this conflict is in nobody's interest – the consequences could be catastrophic.

"We continue to call for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution."

The deployment of additional staff to the region follows the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visiting the Middle East, including Lebanon, this week, where the pair stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and pushed calls for peace and stability.