A Royal Navy destroyer was deployed off the Kent coast to monitor two Russian warships passing through the English Channel.

HMS Diamond sailed from Dover as the two vessels passed through the UK’s area of interest last night.

The ship was despatched to shadow the destroyer Severomorsk and cruiser Marshal Ustinov, having spent the last month as one of the Navy's escort ships, expected to react within 24 hours to any incident.

The foreign vessels have just finished taking part in the Russian Navy Days event in the port of St Petersburg and are now deploying out of the area.

As the ships entered the busy shipping lanes between Norfolk and continental Europe, Diamond manoeuvred into formation alongside them and made them aware of her presence.

The ships were then escorted towards the Dover strait, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The Navy destroyer has continued to monitor the ships past Dover and along the south coast of England, after which they are expected to continue south, exiting the UK area of interest.

Commander Ben Keith, the commanding officer of the type 45 destroyer, said: “HMS Diamond is proud to once again be playing her part in protecting the UK by monitoring these vessels on their transit.

“This is routine business for the Royal Navy and the second time my ship’s company have undertaken such an escort duty this summer.

“While many families are enjoying their summer holidays, my ship’s company are working hard at sea to keep Britain safe and will continue to do so for as long as we are required.

"I would like to thank the families of my crew whose support is vital while we carry out our duty to the nation.”