Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit UK this weekend

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit the UK on Sunday, it has been announced.

Downing Street said the trip would be a chance for Britain and Turkey to demonstrate their close relationship.

It is not expected to be a state visit.

But Mr Erdogan will still meet the Queen and Prime Minister Theresa May during the three-day stopover, according to the Financial Times.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told Sky News any audience with Her Majesty would only be confirmed on the day by the court circular.

Mr Erdogan's trip will come in the middle of the snap Turkish election campaign, which he called in the hope of extending his two-year rule for another five.

He has been widely accused of repressing perceived opponents in the press, academia and judiciary.

Mrs May's spokesman said on Wednesday: "The visit is an opportunity for the UK and Turkey to demonstrate our close bilateral relationship and to have important discussions about issues of shared interest."