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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

GMB reporter forced to escape Kyiv as Russian troops 'dangerously' near

Journalist Richard Gaisford has revealed he and his team have made the 'very difficult decision' to leave Kyiv, following his distressing live report from the city on Good Morning Britain.

Richard has explained that due to the fact Russian forces being 'very close', he and his colleagues will be relocating until they make a decision about what to do next.

ITV viewers were left concerned for the show's Chief Correspondent on Friday morning, after bomb sirens interrupted his update from the Ukrainian capital, as Russian troops invade the country.

The journalist was was forced to put his equipment on during his conversation with studio-based hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard - with the camera cutting away from his cover as he took cover.

Good Morning Britain Chief Correspondent Richard Gaisford update his Twitter followers about his plans (TWITTER)

Speaking on Twitter shortly after the show aired, Richard updated concerned followers about his and his team's immediate plans for the next few days.

"So as a team we've made a really difficult decision that we need to get out of Kyiv because the Russian forces are very close," the overseas correspondent admitted in a video shared to his 35,400 followers.

"We are really not entirely sure what is going to happen next. So this amazing beautiful city, that has been very much part of our lives over these last few weeks, we're going to bid farewell to.

The journalist said it had been a 'tough call' to leave the city (TWITTER)

"We just wish everyone here the very best of luck."

The broadcaster went on to reveal his team's next steps and plans for future reports from Ukraine amid the attacks.

"We will be heading generally in a southern direction. We think that we can get to an area where there are no Russian forces," Richard explained.

He added: "We can pause for the weekend whilst we're not broadcasting and then we can make up our minds and decided what we're going to do."

Richard speaking live to the Good Morning Britain studio on Friday morning (ITV)

Replying to Richard's post on Friday, captioned "Tough call", many thanked the journalist and his team for their service.

"You guys are incredible. Stay safe Richard and the team," began in their message to the reporter.

"And, thank you. Without you we would be oblivious to the darkness that is engulfing the Ukrainians. To risk yourself for your craft is beyond incredible."

Shortly after posting the video, Richard reported another sad update, tweeting: "Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence now claiming Russian death toll exceeds 1000 military personnel."

The journalist was forced to cut his report short and take cover (ITV)

During his initial report on Good Morning Britain on Friday, a siren was heard in the background as addressed the attacks overnight.

The reporter looked over his shoulder as Kate asked: "Richard, when we hear those air raid sirens and I know our viewers are worried for you. Are you safe? Should you be running to take shelter? What precautions have you taken?"

"Yeah, we have taken a number of precautions but we have got our - in fact, it's just being passed to me," he replied as he put on a helmet. "We have got our personal protective equipment to put on. We also have our vests, should the need arise. It is a tricky time for many, obviously, in the city who don't have this kind of equipment to hand.

"As I look out now, there are still people walking through the street, walking the dogs."

Kate interjected, saying: "We're going to let you get to safety, Richard, and we'll get you back."

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