More than 200 Britons aboard a cruise ship were prevented from leaving after it docked in France - and are now on their way to the country with the highest number of Covid-19 deaths in the world.

Among them are Roger and Lesley Levy, from Alwoodley, who have been aboard the Costa Pacifica since joining the cruise in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the start of the month.

There are not thought to be any cases of coronavirus on board, but when the ship docked in Marseille yesterday (Thursday), only French nationals were allowed off.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been told by the French authorities that the cruise ship asked to make an un-scheduled stop there to re-stock fresh water.

Roger and Lesley Levy aboard the Costa Pacifica.

Passengers claim they have been kept in the dark about what was happening and were furious when told the ship was heading to its next planned stop in Genoa, northern Italy, where it will dock Friday.

Northern Italy is now the worst affected region for coronavirus in the world, with 3,405 deaths.

Mr Levy, 75, said: "People do not want to go to Italy.

"There was a horrendous reaction when we were told. People were saying they are not going to get off the ship.

The ship landed at Marseille, but only French nationals were allowed to get off, passengers claim.

Leeds couple trapped onboard cruise ship heading to coronavirus stricken Italy