The UN has warned of a possible massacre in the northern Iraqi town of Amerli, and is calling for action to prevent it.

The town, in the Salaheddin province, has been under siege by Islamic State for two months – cut off from the government controlled territory for that time. The town is now surviving with no electricity or drinking water, little food and few medical supplies.

UN special representative Nickolay Mladenov has said he is “seriously alarmed” by reports of the conditions inside the town.

The population are majority Turkem Shia, a group considered apostates by IS.

"The situation of the people in Amerli is desperate and demands immediate action to prevent the possible massacre of its citizens," Mr Mladenov said in a statement.

"I urge the Iraqi government to do all it can to relieve the siege and to ensure that the residents receive life-saving humanitarian assistance or are evacuated in a dignified manner."

Meanwhile, Kurdish forces are defending against IS attacks across north-east Iraq and are calling for international assistance.