S Sudan clashes leave 300,000 without aid

More than 300,000 people are without 'life-saving' aid in South Sudan after heavy fighting forced aid agencies to withdraw, the UN has said. Government forces have been advancing towards Leer, the birthplace of rebel leader Riek Machar, reports say.

Emergency relief has come to a stop in areas worst-affected by fighting, the UN said. International mediation efforts to end the 17-month conflict have failed.

"Ongoing hostilities in Unity state have now obliged all non-governmental organisations and UN agencies to evacuate staff from Leer and other locations," said Toby Lanzer, the UN aid chief for South Sudan.