British citizens in Tanzania are being warned that they may be the target of "an international terrorist group".

The UK Foreign Office issued the warning after receiving information that terrorists were planning an attack.

British nationals in Tanzania, and especially in Zanzibar, should be vigilant Foreign Office

Tourists staying on the island of Zanzibar, off the East African coast, were warned to take particular care in public places.

Western interests in Africa have been the target of such attacks in the past.

Eight people were killed when terrorists attacked the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam in August 1998.

In neighbouring Kenya, 15 people died in a bomb attack on a hotel near Mombasa on 28 November last year.

'Be vigilant'

An unsuccessful attempt was also made to shoot down an Israeli charter plane on the same day.

The updated Foreign Office advice says: "We believe that Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, is one of a number of countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa where there may be an increased terrorist threat.

"We have received information that an international terrorist group may be planning an attack on the island of Zanzibar.

"British nationals in Tanzania, and especially in Zanzibar, should be vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, markets, bars and nightclubs."

The Foreign Office guidance does not go so far as advising Britons to leave the country.

The British warning follows a similar message from the United States last week warning its citizens to be on alert in public places such as markets, bars and nightclubs in Zanzibar.