The Foreign Office is warning holidaymakers in Mexico’s most popular resorts to ‘remain vigilant’ following a daylight shooting in Playa del Carmen.

Five people were injured on Monday when shots were fired on Fifth Avenue, a busy shopping street visited by hundreds of tourists a day.

Three people were hospitalised with gunshot wounds. They are reported to be in a stable condition.

Travel Gossip reported this week that Mexico has drafted 300 more soldiers to patrol beach resorts in the area following a rise in crime, including the murder of a man on Fifth Avenue last October and the killing of two female tourists in Quintana Roo last December.

In the latest incident, tourists and locals fled to a security zone set up by police as bullets were fired into the crowd.

The Foreign Office said: “The Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. However, there have been several clashes between rival criminal gangs in popular tourist destinations in Cancun and surrounding areas.

“Two foreign tourists were killed in Tulum, more tourists were injured during a shoot out in Puerto Morelos, and most recently there was a shooting in the Centre of Playa del Carmen, injuring three.

“There is currently an increased police presence in the Cancun area, including in the hotel zone. While tourists have not been the target, anyone in the vicinity of an incident could be affected.

“If you are visiting any of these areas, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities and your tour operator.

“There have been several instances of armed crime both within and outside tourist areas in Acapulco. If possible, travel by air if you are visiting a major tourist destination in Guerrero. Due to an increase in violent crime, you should be extra vigilant in Acapulco and surrounding areas.”