A Barrhead man and his girlfriend were among the hundreds of holidaymakers who had to run for their lives as terrorists opened fire at a beach on Friday.

Merchant seaman Darren McCullagh was in the north African country on holiday with his girlfriend in Sousse, a town popular with British tourists.

It's understood that as many as 38 people have been killed in the terrorist violence with eight British citizens among the ten bodies identified so far.

Prime minister David Cameron told a press conference the public can expect the British death toll to rise.

Islamic State extremists have claimed responsibility for the massacre at the Mediterranean resort.

In an interview with Sky News Darren's mother Moya said her son and his girlfriend witnessed horrific scenes at the beach where the terrorists struck.

She said the couple had taken refuge in a hotel laundry room as the chaos unfolded.

A member of his family later told our reporter the 23-year-old was "safe and well at this moment in time".

Meanwhile, British tourists have started arriving back in the UK with many cheering with relief upon arrival at Gatwick Airport.

However, many more UK residents remain in Tunisia as they try to arrange flights home.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We are closely monitoring the horrifying situation in Tunisia and our thoughts are with those affected and families worried about loved ones.

"The Scottish Government is in contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and we stand ready to offer assistance."

Prime Minister David Cameron said he is "sickened" by the attacks and other recent atrocities in France and Kuwait.

The Foreign Office said people in the UK concerned about relatives in Tunisia should call them on 0207 208 1500.

A spokesman said any British nationals in Tunisia should make contact with the embassy there.