A UN human rights investigator has called on the Myanmar military to halt attacks on the town of Loikaw and lift a blockade on those trying to flee, reports Reuters.

In a message on Twitter, Thomas Andrews, UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said in a Twitter message that the military ruler Min Aung Hlaing "must immediately halt the air and ground attacks that junta forces have unleashed on Loikaw. "

A blockade preventing people fleeing from the area should also be lifted and humanitarian aid let in, he said.

Loikaw is the capital of eastern Myanmar's Kayah State - which borders Thailand - that has often seen intense fighting between the army and rebel groups opposed to last year's coup.

Since last week, the military had launched air strikes and fired artillery in the town, forcing several thousand residents to flee, according to a resident and media reports.