The Foreign Office has updated its safety advice for Mexico following a recent shooting in the centre of Cancun.

It is warning British tourists of ‘clashes between rival criminal gangs in popular tourist destinations in Cancun and surrounding areas’.

It said that while the Mexican Government makes efforts to protect tourists in destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Tijuana, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, 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,” it added.

“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.”

The Foreign Office (FCDO) also points out that there have been ‘several instances’ of armed crime 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,” it said.

It also warns of a recent rise in drug-related violence in Mexico, and turf wars in the north and west, including the popular destination of Baja California, where the FCDO warns tourists to take ‘extra care’.

The FCDO’s full, updated safety and security advice for Mexico can be found here.