Oxford's Miss England Daniella Luan arrived back in Britain yesterday morning after fleeing riot-torn Nigeria.

Daniella Luan arrives at Gatwick Airport

As she arrived in London's Gatwick Airport with more than 80 other Miss World hopefuls, she spoke of her relief to have escaped the bloodshed.

She said she could not wait to get back to Oxford and condemned the fighting that left more than 100 people dead and 500 injured.

She added: "It's just great to be home, I'm really relieved. I have very mixed feelings about the whole situation.

"The violence was dreadful and I feel very bad for the people that lost their lives. It's a real shame because things had been going so well.

"The Nigerian people danced for us and entertained us, we couldn't have asked for better treatment.

"But then the riots broke out and things turned very nasty. The last few days have been awful.

"I just want to see my family, it's been such a nightmare for them, and to put this behind me."

Miss Luan, 22, of Oxford Road, Marston, vowed to carry on in the Miss World competition after organisers announced it would take place in London on December 7.

Her parents Ray and Doreen travelled to the capital yesterday, where she is expected to stay and prepare for the contest.

Ray said: "We didn't sleep for days with worry. We were told the situation was very violent and we were extremely concerned for her safety. It was such a relief to find out she was back, and the best news I've ever had."

Organisers cancelled Miss World in Nigeria after fighting broke out in the northern city of Kaduna, before spreading to Aduja, the country's capital and contest venue. Violence was sparked by a newspaper article backing the competition. It suggested that the Prophet Mohammed might have taken a contestant as a wife.