Gourock woman is 'terrified' for sister's safety in war-torn Sudan
Julia McIntyre has started a petition to bring her family home safely, as the country enters the second week of civil war
A Gourock woman with family stuck in the middle of civil war in Sudan is telling us she is terrified for their safety.
Julia McIntyre's sister Jennifer and her young family are trying to escape the capital city of Khartoum.
It comes as British military flights prepare for a "large-scale" evacuation of UK nationals from Sudan after a three-day ceasefire was agreed.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced that the operation would begin today after ministers came under pressure to help at least 2,000 citizens flee the conflict.
Elderly people and children are to be prioritised - but Julia says the Government's message is still very vague.
She said: "There is a lot of room for interpretation.
"They need to do more to inform the UK civilians of the what, where and how - they need to stop leaving shadows of doubt for individuals to read between the lines.
"With it being so time critical they need to be doing more to make contact by any means possible.
"We haven't had those levels of specific details that can actually help my sister make the safest and best informed choice to get out of the country by a UK evacuation plan."
Julia says it has been a difficult week for her family: "It's been an emotional rollercoaster with evacuation plans declared, and diplomats getting out and various things.
"It feels like this is the most hopeful we can be, but I'm very reticent to get my hopes up today.
"Until there are specific and detailed evacuations plans shared with our loved ones in Sudan, it's very very difficult to get our hopes up."
Julia has started a petition calling for help, which has amassed more than 1,000 signatures - it is available here.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Britain will work to "end the bloodshed" in Sudan, which was triggered by two rival generals engaging in a power struggle, and support a democratic government.
Only British passport holders and immediate family members with existing UK entry clearance are being told they are eligible.
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