UK closes embassy in Iran

Britain has evacuated all its diplomatic staff from Iran, Western diplomatic sources told Reuters on Wednesday, a day after protesters stormed and ransacked its embassy and residential compound.

Britain has evacuated all its diplomatic staff from Iran, Western diplomatic sources told Reuters on Wednesday, a day after protesters stormed and ransacked its embassy and residential compound.

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Both properties were severely damaged, with official and personal possessions seized or destroyed, said sources who had spoken to staff at the embassy.

Britain said it was outraged by the attacks and warned of "serious consequences".

"In light of yesterday's events, and to ensure their ongoing

safety, some staff are leaving Tehran," Britain's foreign office (ministry) said in a statement.

While the official statement referred only to "some staff", two diplomatic sources said that all British staff were leaving.