BREAKING: Notts tourists in Cuba 'stuck' in path of Hurricane Matthew

Holidaymakers from Sutton-in-Ashfield say they are fearing for their lives, while Thomas Cook refuse to get them to safety.
Tourist Jemma Hayes with other British holidaymakers at a Cuban hotel.Tourist Jemma Hayes with other British holidaymakers at a Cuban hotel.
Tourist Jemma Hayes with other British holidaymakers at a Cuban hotel.

News emerged earlier today that Hurricane Matthew is sweeping the Caribbean islands leaving a trial of destruction with 150mph winds.

Over the next 24 hours the devastating weather, said to be the worst Hurricane in 10 years, will cross Haiti and Eastern Cuba.

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Tourists in that region of the Island, in Hulguin province, say they are fearing for their lives.

Tourist Jemma Hayes with other British holidaymakers at a Cuban hotel.Tourist Jemma Hayes with other British holidaymakers at a Cuban hotel.
Tourist Jemma Hayes with other British holidaymakers at a Cuban hotel.

Marcus Hayes, 38, form Sutton in Ashfield said: "We're in the direct path of Hurricane Matthew and Thomas Cook are refusing to evacuate us.

There are about 50 Brits at our hotel and another 200 or so in three other hotels.

"All other countries like Canada and Germany have evacuated their guests to the north of the island.

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"Everyone is scared, even the staff said they were leaving at 3pm (7pm GMT)."

Staff have closed up services and gone home, leaving British tourists alone to fend for themselves with a Hurricane approaching.Staff have closed up services and gone home, leaving British tourists alone to fend for themselves with a Hurricane approaching.
Staff have closed up services and gone home, leaving British tourists alone to fend for themselves with a Hurricane approaching.

Staff at the Blau Costa Verdi hotel have been moving furniture and taping up windows to prepare for the shock when it is due to arrive tomorrow.

They have posted signs stating: "Due to the proximity of Matthew hurricane, our services will be offered only until Sunday, 2/10.16 at 12 pm. We kinds as you to apologise for the inconveniences this might cause you."

"To me it seems they are more worried about the windows than the guests," added Marcus.

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Ceiling tiles have been removed from around the hotel and stores have been cleared of stock to prevent loss in the high winds, but the guests are left asking what assistance will be offered to them, without television and little mobile signal.

Windows are taped up and stores emptied to prepare for the storm.Windows are taped up and stores emptied to prepare for the storm.
Windows are taped up and stores emptied to prepare for the storm.

"The electricity will go soon too, water facilities have been stopped. We have been told the places are full hence we are not moving, we have to stay in our rooms." added Marcus. "Families are fearing for their loved ones as we are."

The holidaymaker is travelling with his wife Jemma and two friends, businessman Max Stevenson and beautician Kerry Hepton and b and sent us photos from their trip, having met numerous other Brits who also fear for what will happen to the resort over the coming days.

Jemma Hayes, 29, a nurse, said: "They're removing roofing, everything's getting stacked up, staff are going home and we have to live on cold food, we paid for VIP treatment and Thomas Cook are refusing to move us to leave the area."

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Another guest at the hotel said: "We're very scared we've just walked round the hotel it's like a ghost time.

Thomas Cook were approached for comment but have yet to respond.

We understand a guests' meeting has taken place in the past hour - more updates as we receive them.

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