A Russian spy ship is currently on the edge of UK waters, the defence secretary has announced.

John Healey said it was the second time that the ship, the Yantar, had been deployed to UK waters.

Giving a press conference in Downing Street, he said: "A Russian spy ship, the Yantar, is on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland, having entered the UK's wider waters over the last few weeks.

"This is a vessel designed for gathering intelligence and mapping our undersea cables.

"We deployed a Royal Navy frigate and RAF planes to monitor and track this vessel's every move, during which the Yantar directed lasers at our pilots.

"That Russian action is deeply dangerous, and this is the second time this year that this ship, the Yantar, has deployed to UK waters."

Mr Healey added: "So my messag

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