A second attempt at a civilian evacuation in Mariupol has collapsed with both sides accusing each other of failing to establish a secure corridor.

The Ukrainian military said pro-Russian forces had continued shelling the areas that were meant to be safe, while their enemies say it was they who failed to observe the limited ceasefire.

It is reported only a few hundred people have managed to escape the besieged port city, while the city council had aimed to evacuate more than 200,000 people.

Many residents have been sleeping in bomb shelters to escape days of near-constant bombardment by encircling Russian forces that have cut off food, water, power and heating supplies, according to the authorities.

The operation to allow them to leave, which follows a thwarted bid on Saturday, had been due to get under way at midday, with buses taking people along a safe “green” corridor through Portovskoye, Rozovka and Zaporozhye.

© 2022 Sky