"BP is in direct contact with the families of all of those staff affected, offering support and providing confirmed information as we can.

"Supporting our colleagues and their families at a time of such extreme concern is essential, and we are seeking to support them in every way we can," said Bob Dudley, BP Group Chief Executive.

"Overnight BP began the staged process of bringing non-essential workers out of Algeria as a precautionary and temporary measure.

"Three flights left Algeria yesterday, carrying a total of eleven BP employees alongside several hundred staff from other companies. The first flight arrived in London yesterday afternoon. The second two flights landed in Palma in Majorca overnight and staff on these planes are expected to transfer on to final destinations during the course of the day. A fourth plane is expected to transport further staff out of the country today and we will arrange further flights as necessary."