In a stark statement on the 23-month civil war he added:

Quote Message: Civilians are paying heavy prices. Violence and destruction have reached alarming levels. The social fabric is being ripped apart.

Quote Message: Indiscriminate attacks including in residential areas are killing more innocent people every day, damaging critical infrastructure and limiting access to vital services."

The UN secretary general said there was no military solution to the conflict between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces.

He also called for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean troops, who have been fighting on the government side.

Deliveries of aid to Tigray have been suspended since hostilities resumed in August after a five-month ceasefire.

As fighting continues, there are unconfirmed reports that government forces have captured the Tigrayan city of Shire.