Royal Navy warship HMS Westminster intercepts FOUR Russian vessels in English Channel

A BRITISH warships was scrambled to intercept four Russian vessels lurking in the English Channel.

By Henry Holloway /

HMS Westminster GETTY/ALAMY

ROYAL NAVY: HMS Westminster ailed to intercept Vladimir Putin's ships in the English Channel

HMS Westminster set sail to meet the ships – which included two warships and two support vessels – as they moved off the shores of Britain.

Royal Navy vessels are often called out to escort Russian craft as they move near British waters.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed it is aware of the incident.

British vessels have been called out a number of times in recent months to meet Russian warships near the UK.

It comes amid renewed tensions with Vladimir Putin over accusations of election meddling and continued unease between Russia and NATO.

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U.S. Navy F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets fly in formation above the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth REUTERS
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    HMS Westminster is a Type-23 Duke-class frigate weighing in at 4,900 tons and has been in service since 1994.

    She is armed with anti-air and anti-ship missiles along with torpedoes, machines guns and a 4.5 inch cannon.

    The ship also starred in James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies – in which she provided the interiors for scenes set on the ill-fated HMS Devonshire.

    HMS Westminster GETTY

    HMS WESTMINSTER: The Type-23 frigate was sent to intercept four Russian ships in the Channel

    HMS Westminster GETTY

    TYPE-23: HMS Westminster is bristling with missiles and guns to tackle any threat

    Previously. defence secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression.

    "Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests.”

    He was speaking as HMS St Albans escorted a Russian warship – Admiral Gorshkov – through the North Sea on Christmas Day.

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    Commander Air Mark Deller makes final preparations in the flight control tower ahead of sea trials this summer PA
    Commander Air Mark Deller makes final preparations in the flight control tower ahead of sea trials this summer

      In November last year, Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov was escorted by HMS Somerset as she passed through Moray Firth.

      And last May, a Russian attack submarine stalked through the English Channel – before also being picked up by HMS Somerset.

      Russian vessels regularly sail through the English Channel as they head to and from the base of Putin’s northern fleet at Severomorsk.

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      This amazing photo shows HMS Dragon and the chopper set against a spectacular sunset [PA]
      This amazing photo shows HMS Dragon and the chopper set against a spectacular sunset [PA]
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