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The nation’s La Aurora international airport shut down its only runway as black smoke and ash filled the sky and blanketed villages.

The general secretary of Guatemala's Conred disaster agency, Sergio Cabanas, said: "It's a river of lava that overflowed its banks and affected the Rodeo village.

“There are injured, burned and dead people.”

Mr Conred added four died after lava set a home on fire while two children were burned to death as they watched the eruption from a bridge.

The British Embassy FCO travel advice for Guatemala is: “Guatemala City’s international airport, La Aurora, is closed due to falling ash from a nearby volcanic eruption.

“The airport authorities have stated that the airport will be closed until 1415 local time on June 4.

“This may be subject to change”.