Ethiopian government forces and local militias have clashed in the historic town of Lalibela in the volatile Amhara region, residents have told the BBC.

They described the fighting as intense and said it included the use of heavy weapons.

A plane due to land at the airport on Wednesday morning failed to do so, the residents said.

Lalibela is home to rock-hewn churches built in the 13th Century and are registered as Unesco world heritage sites, making it a popular tourist destination.

In August, militias briefly took control of the town’s airport.

The BBC’s attempts to reach Amhara officials have not been successful, and the government has not issued any statement.