Ukranians with family trapped in war-ravaged Mariupol have told of their relief at finding out they are alive and have escaped the bloodshed.
Up to 20,000 civilians are believed to have died since Russian troops encircled, besieged and bombarded the coastal city, with bodies lying on the streets and children dying of thirst.
Trapped residents have been running out of food and water, with an estimated 300,000 people living without heating or electricity.
