EXPLOSIONS, smoke-filled skies and circling military helicopters have become part of the daily life of an Oxfordshire man living in strife-torn Bahrain.

Former Kidlington resident David Kelly said he could hear explosions and see helicopters from his flat in Manama, the island state’s capital.

The 43-year-old, who was born in Oxford and moved to Bahrain eight years ago, said he and his wife Amanda, a 34-year-old teacher, were saddened by the unrest but had decided to stay in the country.

A state of emergency was declared by Bahrain’s King Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa on Tuesday and troops moved in to end month-long protests demanding political reform.

Mr Kelly said: “Aside from all Bahrainis, every expat wants to see this island go back to peaceful times and a political resolution that suits all citizens. I woke up at 7am on Wednesday to six Cobra helicopters circling overhead, smoke and a few explosions.

“I was saddened rather than scared, as my wife and I had witnessed similar scenes when they removed people from the Pearl roundabout the previous month in a similar fashion.”

The couple live in the Adliya district, which Mr Kelly said was fairly quiet.

He added: “There were a few ‘hotspot’ places on the island, where British expats live, that may be a little bit close to the confrontations.

“I understand that some families are leaving, although I’m not sure if they’re leaving on the Government-chartered flights.”

Mr Kelly said the British Embassy was offering to take Britons to Dubai or the UK on charter flights.

He added: “The embassy have been very good at giving us information via email on which areas to avoid over the past few weeks when there have been peaceful demonstrations.

“Expats 'pull together' in these times. On Thursday we went to celebrate St Patrick's Day and lots of expats text or call each other to see if they are okay or need anything.”

Shopping centres and most offices have been closed all week and Britons have been advised to stay indoors or leave Bahrain if possible.

Mr Kelly said: “The consensus is the ‘Brits must leave’ messages shown on the news were over the top and put unnecessary worry on families back in the UK.”

“The next few days will be interesting and it saddens me to see this happen to an island that is usually very friendly and very safe.”

A second Government charter flight to help British citizens leave Bahrain set off for Gatwick yesterday with 18 passengers. A flight for Dubai on Thursday was empty.