The Church of Scotland has urged the international community to intervene in the deepening crisis in Zimbabwe.

The convener of the World Misison Council, the Very Rev Dr John Chalmers, said the World Mission Council was “deeply disturbed” by the situation in the southern African country, which has seen a brutal crackdown on people protesting against a 150% rise in fuel prices.

Action by the police and army followed a breakdown in law and order in Harare and Bulawayo last week which led to some looting and rioting.

The Council of Churches in neighbouring Zambia is a partner of the Church of Scotland.

It, along with other civil groups, has urged the Zimbabwean government to stop the persecution of citizens and called on the international community to intervene.

Dr Chalmers, convener of the World Mission Council, said: “We are deeply disturbed by the reports coming out of Zimbabwe and strongly endorse this statement issued by the Council of Churches in Zambia and other civil groups.

“It is time to restore order and to allow the voices of the most vulnerable to be heard.”