Britain’s Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin says she is “deeply concerned” about the deadly violence in Harare which officially claimed six lives on Wednesday, with other reports stating that the death toll could be as high as 12.

In a statement on Twitter Harriett called on political leaders to ensure calm and restraint “at this critical moment” while urging British citizens in Zimbabwe to check for travel alerts on the changing situation in the country.

The US embassy has also warned Americans to avoid the central business district following deadly clashes between Zimbabwe security forces and opposition protesters - who claim electoral fraud - in the capital.

“The political situation in Zimbabwe remains uncertain,” the embassy warned.

United Nations secretary-general António Guterres has also expressed concern at the reports of violence in Harare.

He further urged political leaders and electoral contestants to pursue any disputes through peaceful means, dialogue and in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) condemned the military’s use of force on protestors and called on the ruling and the opposition political parties to maintain peace and respect human rights.

“Reports indicate that the ZDF (Zimbabwe Defence Forces) opened fire, using live bullets and wantonly brutally assaulting unarmed protesters resulting in several people sustaining injuries and some people losing their lives,” ZLHR said in a statement.