Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has decided to cut his family holiday short and return to Australia after facing fierce criticism.

He has been criticised after going on an unannounced family break to Hawaii during the bushfire crisis that’s impacting Australia.

BREAKING: @ScottMorrisonMP spotted in HAWAII with Aussie holidaymakers. @7NewsAustralia #7NEWS #auspol pic.twitter.com/fZu0HfUaPf

— Ben Downie (@Ben_Downie) 19 December 2019

Suspicions of where Morrison went grew as his team refused to confirm where the Morrison family went, citing “security concerns” and “protocols”.

In a breaking statement released on Friday morning, Morrison says he “deeply regretted any offence caused” by his holiday during the raging fires.

“I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time,” Morrison said. 

 “I have been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the status of the search for and treatment of the victims of the White Island tragedy.

“The Commonwealth’s responsibilities have been well managed by the acting prime minister [Michael McCormack], minister [David] Littleproud and minister [Marise] Payne.

''Given the most recent tragic events, I will be returning to Sydney as soon as can be arranged.” 

In a separate statement, Morrison expressed “sincere condolences and sympathies” to the families of two volunteer firefighters killed when a truck drove into a tree in Buxton.

“Our hearts go out to their families, friends and colleagues who have been working tirelessly beside them, particularly during this Christmas period,” he said.