Embassy moved over security fears

British Embassy staff in Algiers have been moved to a heavily-guarded hotel because of security concerns.

The embassy building has closed and staff are living and working in the Hilton hotel, although some work will be handled from Tunis.

The move follows a security review in the wake of attacks on British targets in Istanbul last November.

It is not believed to be linked to any specific terrorist threat in the north African country.

Jim Currie, Britain's deputy head of mission in Algeria, said: "It is related to the bombing...in Istanbul. We took the decision right after that to reinforce our embassy security around the world."

Algeria holds its presidential elections in April.