Fears of huge new refugee crisis as Kiev metro becomes a bomb shelter

THOUSANDS of Ukrainians were trying to flee to safety today amid warnings that the Russian invasion could trigger one of the biggest refugee crises in history.

- Martin Bentham

Photos showed huge tailbacks of cars heading out of Kiev soon after Vladimir Putin’s attack was announced.

Traffic jams built up in several parts of the city and queues were also seen at petrol stations and banks as people tried to stock up on fuel and cash.

Others queued for buses to the west of the country in an attempt to escape becoming caught up in fighting.

More residents sheltered in the capital’s Metro stations to protect themselves from being hit by a missile.

One picture showed three girls sitting anxiously underground with bags and a suitcase, clutching their phones.