The Maldives resort islands are popular with honeymooning couples but are viewed as easy targets for extremists because of lax security and easy access by boat

The Foreign Office is warning British holidaymakers in the Maldives to remain extra vigilant after three foreigners were stabbed in an attack for which extremists linked to Islamic State claimed responsibility.

The warning comes at the height of the tourist season in the archipelago when tens of thousands of Britons are expected to visit the country.

The Foreign Office said that “terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the Maldives” and there are fears that they will target luxury holiday resorts favoured by western tourists, which are considered an easy target by terrorists because of their remote island setting, lax security measures and easy access by boat. The Maldives are particularly popular with couples as a honeymoon destination.

An Australian, here entering a hospital, was one victim

The victims, two Chinese