Head of UN food agency 'appalled and heartbroken' by killings

The executive director of the UN's World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, said she is "appalled and heartbroken" by the killing of three employees in Sudan's Darfur region.

In a statement, she said two other WFP employees were injured in the same incident.

"We have informed the families of these dedicated team members and stand with them and our entire WFP family at this time of catastrophe.

"Any loss of life in humanitarian service is unacceptable and I demand immediate steps to guarantee the safety of those who remain," she added.