'Big relief' to leave Libya, says Tipperary man

An Irishman who flew into Britain today after fleeing crisis-torn Libya on board British Royal Navy vessel HMS Cumberland today expressed his relief at escaping the region.

A total of 116 people, flew from Malta to Gatwick Airport on Flight HV7004 after disembarking from the navy ship.

Many passengers spoke of the deteriorating safety on the streets of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and marauding gangs ransacking and looting people of their possessions.

Quantity surveyor Alan Burnett, originally from from Co Tipperary, said: "We were happy to see the Cumberland when it came into Benghazi. It was a big relief.

"We heard guys crash their way into our apartment. If it wasn't nailed down, they would take it. Five or six people had machetes."

Mr Burnett said he could not agree with the level of criticism directed at the British government's response.

"I'm not going to criticise the government," he said. "They may have been late but when it happened it was excellent.

"The crew on the Cumberland were fantastic. We were treated like hotel guests. It's good to be home."

Mr Burnett said the world should support the Libyans in the fight for a new regime.

"The Libyan people are a good people and they don't deserve what's happening to them."