BRITISH nationals stuck in India say their plight is becoming “desperate” with claims they have faced police brutality while attempting to get food and medical supplies amid a coronavirus lock down.

Heidi Hawkins, 49, a carer from West Sussex who is stuck in south Goa, said: “The supermarket was rumoured to be open and it was heaving, no social distancing, every man for himself.

“The police just came along and started smacking people with their sticks.

“So people are too scared to go out for food. When you hear of a shop that’s open you’re too scared to go there because of the police brutality.

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“We just need food and water and we’ve been left with no information.

“I went to the police station in Colva to ask for information and the police threatened to put me behind bars. I was laughed at and ridiculed.

“At home I’ve got my 22-year-old daughter who is highly anxious alone with her eight-week-old baby, her four-year-old daughter and my 19-year-old disabled daughter. She’s been stuck inside without food.

“While my 19-year-son, who is severely disabled is in an assisted living house and he is desperately homesick and doesn’t understand.

"I am desperate to get to him and take him home.

"I need to get home for my babies, they need their mum.”

As all flights from the country have been grounded until April 12, thousands of British nationals left stranded across India are now relying on the UK Government to put in place repatriation flights, which have so far been limited and fully booked within minutes of being announced.

British nationals have been advised by the Foreign and Commonwealth office to comply with local rules during lockdown, with talks of quarantine areas to be set up for foreigners.

A 21-day lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, causing the immediate closure of shops, restaurants and many hotels.

Jay Vernon, a yoga teacher from Brighton, is currently stuck in Varkala, Kerala, after having two flights he had booked cancelled and no response from the British Embassy.

Mr Vernon said: “My two flights have been cancelled and no one has yet to reply from the embassy. Locals are not wanting to associate with me because I’m from Europe.

"I still can’t understand why the Indian government doesn’t allow us to leave and their own citizens back in the country.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund