Russian Embassy claims UK-based cyber attack launched against its website

The Russian Embassy in London has claimed its website was targeted by hackers based in the UK. 

Officials at the consul said an investigation into the cyber attack, which took place on Monday, determined it was  "highly likely" to have originated in UK territory.

No further details were given, but the alleged incursion takes place at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries.

The Kremlin has been accused of waging cyberwarfare against the West and has faced down the UK over accusations it ordered a chemical attack in Salisbury, Wilts, this year.

The London embassy gained particular notoriety during the showdown over the attempted assassination of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter by posting a string of waggish tweets about the UK's allegations.

A spokesman for the Russian Embassy said: "According to preliminary assessments by our IT-specialists the hacker attack highly likely originated from UK territory."

The Russian Embassy is based near the edge of Hyde Park in Kensington, west London.