More than 220 people are believed to have died in a series of bomb attacks across Sri Lanka.

Three hotels – the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury – were all targeted, with nine foreign tourists reportedly among the dead.

Coming early on Easter Sunday, three churches - in Negombo, Batticaloa and capital Colombo’s Kochchikade district – were also hit during services.

No group has yet said it was responsible for the attack as investigations continue.

A hotel official at the Cinnamon Grand reported to Agence France-Presse that the explosion there had ripped through a restaurant, killing at least one person.

Rumours have been reported of more attacks and police have told people to stay inside their houses and remain calm.

President Maithripala Sirisena issued a statement calling for people to remain calm and support the authorities in their investigations.

Since the end of a long-running civil war in 2009 Sri Lanka has enjoyed a relatively peaceful period.

This has seen the local tourism sector boom, with 2.3 million guests arriving last year.

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Officer advised nationals in Sri Lanka to follow the advice of local authorities.