THE British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal amid the refugee crisis in Europe.

The number of people forced to flee violence and conflict today is the highest since World War II, the organisation said, with Prime Minister David Cameron today vowing to allow more refugees into the country following the publication of shocking pictures in newspapers this week highlighted the plight of those looking for help.

Countries across the continent are struggling to provide basic support for those arriving, meaning organisations like the Red Cross are on the frontline of the emergency.

Head of emergencies for the Red Cross, Ben Webster, said: “People are arriving in Europe with very little – some only a family photo and the clothes they left in.

“We urgently need supplies such as food, water, nappies and hygiene kits as well as emergency medical treatment – your support can make a huge difference.”

Red Cross volunteers across Europe are working around the clock to support hundreds of thousands of refugees as they attempt to reach safety – from Turkey to Hungary to Greece to the UK, the Red Cross is striving to support people who flee war and persecution.

“We are in the midst of one of the biggest humanitarian disasters of our time," Mr Webster added.

"Millions of people are being forced to risk their lives in a desperate search for safety as conflicts rage around the world."

To donate, log on to www.redcross.org.uk/refugeecrisis.