British diplomats rescue tourists from riot-torn Nepal

British embassy staff have rescued 26 tourists trapped at Kathmandu airport after a day of violence following the massacre of Nepal’s royal family, the Foreign Office said.

British embassy staff have rescued 26 tourists trapped at Kathmandu airport after a day of violence following the massacre of Nepal’s royal family.

Deputy head of the mission Andrew Mitchell yesterday led a four-vehicle convoy to pick up the travellers, who were stranded because of a curfew and a ban on all traffic in and out of the capital.

Two Gurkha VCs returning from a reunion in the UK were also evacuated from the airport by fellow soldiers but had their vehicle stoned by rioters as they drove through the city.

The British Foreign Office warned against all travel to Kathmandu because of the riots sparked by the crowning of Prince Gyanendra, Nepal’s third king in four days following the palace bloodbath in which nine royals died.

The new king said on Sunday the palace massacre was caused by ‘‘the accidental discharge of an automatic weapon’’, prompting allegations of a cover-up.

Yesterday he ordered a full inquiry into the incident to report within three days.

In a nationally televised address last night, King Gyanendra, 54, announced that a three-member panel would investigate the royal killings and make its findings public.

The king said the panel included Keshav Prasad Upadhaya, chief justice of the Supreme Court.

‘‘We need to be united at this hour so that no one can take undue advantage of the situation and harm the independence and democracy of the nation,’’ Gyanendra said in a monotone.

Meanwhile the Foreign Office spokeswoman said it had been a ‘‘tricky procedure’’ to guide the convoy of Land Rovers, escorted by Nepalese police, past barricades, army patrols and scenes of street violence.

Mr Mitchell, accompanied by the consul, vice-consul and another member of staff made their way to the airport and picked up 23 British people, two Canadians and a Bengali.

The tourists were then dropped off at a guest house in Kathmandu, where they had already booked rooms.

Ronald Nash, Britain’s Ambassador to Nepal said: ‘‘The police were going to bring them out but it would have taken around two or three hours, so we sent up a little convoy of Land Rovers.

‘‘There were also a few people who might have been stuck at the roadside in buses or overnight, because the curfew goes on until 5am.

‘‘But we have got them and it means we should have put everybody to bed now. Earlier today there were worries but the feeling now is that everybody is safe.’’

He estimated there were still around 100 British tourists left in Nepal but added that the Embassy was keeping a close eye on the situation.

Mr Nash said the Gurkha VCs had flown back into Kathmandu this afternoon following a reunion in Britain.

The war heroes were picked up by fellow Gurkhas stationed in Nepal after spending hours stuck at the airport.

‘‘These elderly gentlemen were very desolate that the king and royal family had died.

‘‘But as we were driving them back to their homes the Land Rover they were in was stoned by protesters.

‘‘They were disgusted that people are so disrespectful now.’’