Jamaica Tourist Board has reassured the travel trade that the main tourism areas remain unaffected by the violence in its capital, Kingston.

Director of Tourism John Lynch said: “Travellers to the areas of Jamaica including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Negril and the South Coast are some four hours away from the area of concern.”

“Tourist areas remain safe and normal daily activities continue in the resort areas, and cruise port facilities.”

A number of flights were being diverted to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay to minimise any safety risks.

“Our primary concern is for the safety of those travelling to Jamaica, so at this time we recommend visitors fly into Montego Bay,” he added.

He said there had been no violence in the resorts and it does not anticipate any problems. “We hope this situation will be resolved quickly,” he added.

Meanwhile in the capital of Kingston and nearby St Andrew, police have stepped up their presence and the area has been isolated in an attempt to contain the disturbances.

Jamaican police say at least 73 people are now known to have been killed in four days of clashes as police hunted for an alleged drug lord in Kingston.

Most of the dead were young men, some suspected of being armed, while at least three police and soldiers also died, officials said.

It is not known if Christopher “Dudus” Coke, who is wanted by the US, is still in Jamaica.

The search has centred on his Tivoli Gardens stronghold.

Police said they had recovered more than 70 bodies and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

More than 500 people have been arrested over four days, mostly in Tivoli Gardens where some people loyal to Mr Coke had pledged to support him at any cost.

Reports suggest the violence has not ended - sporadic gunfire was heard in the nearby slum of Denham Town.