Peruvian unrest strands hundreds of tourists in Machu Picchu

Hundreds of tourists are stuck in Machu Picchu after Peru was plunged into a state of emergency by violent protests following the arrest of the president. The only route in and out of the Incan temple site is a train line, which has been blocked off and sabotaged by angry protesters, leaving some 800 tourists, some of whom are thought to be British, stranded at the foot of a mountain with dwindling supplies.

Local officials have asked for helicopters to help evacuate tourists, while the Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance to British citizens in the country.

"Our hotel informed us that they're going to cut back on food supplies and offer just eggs and coffee until supplies come to town because the markets are running low," said Diane Thao, a US tourist Aguas Calientes, where the train to Machu Picchu arrives.

"I'm with my kids. For me, it's a problem," Israeli tourist Gale Dut added.

The trouble erupted soon after Pedro Castillo, a hard-Left former teacher who took power last year, attempted to dissolve parliament and rule by decree. He was arrested last week after being impeached by Congress.

Mr Castillo stands accused of rebellion and conspiracy and could be jailed for up to 10 years if found guilty, according to Alcides Diaz, a public prosecutor.

His arrest has triggered anger among impoverished Peruvians, who elected Mr Castillo by a thin margin in a popular uprising against the establishment.

Some of the indigenous protesters have come from the Peruvian Amazon jungle, carrying bows and arrows, which police said they confiscated.

Irineo Sanchez, leader of the Ashaninka people, arrived in Lima wearing a crown with a tiny skull attached. After his arrest, Mr Castillo was initially detained for seven days, but prosecutors have requested he be held in pre-trial detention for another 18 months.