Navy to man-mark Channel-bound Russian warships

The Royal Navy has vowed to "man-mark every step of the way" a Russian aircraft carrier and other warships heading to the English Channel.

Destroyer HMS Duncan has been deployed from Portsmouth to monitor the task group including the Admiral Kuznetsov.

The group, heading south from the Norwegian Sea towards the North Sea, has already been escorted by the frigate HMS Richmond between Iceland and Norway.

And the Navy destroyer HMS Dragon is also due to sail to meet two Russian corvettes travelling north towards the UK from the direction of Portugal.

Shadowing ships is a regular task for the Royal Navy, which has been supported by Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft this time, it is understood.

The Ministry of Defence said Navy ships will continue to escort the Russian task group and provide a visible presence south through the North Sea and English Channel.

An MoD spokesman said: "When these ships are near our waters we will man-mark them every step of the way.

"We will be watching as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe."