A Royal Navy frigate has been tracking the movements of a Russian warship reportedly carrying hypersonic missiles through the English Channel.

HMS Portland is monitoring the Russian guided missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and her accompanying tanker Kama as they sailed in international waters close to Britain.

The Type 23 frigate joined the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel Bergen, as the Russian ships moved south through the Norwegian Sea and to the North Sea this week.

It was reported the Russian ships had passed the Strait of Dover on the way to the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday.

It is believed that Admiral Gorshkov had hypersonic missiles on board following a war games operation in the North Sea.

HMS Portland with her specialist Merlin helicopter, both equipped with sonars, sensors and torpedoes, has been tracking and reporting on the movements of the Russian ships.

The ship's commanding officer Cmdr Ed Moss-Ward said: “Escorting warships in UK territorial waters and the adjacent sea areas is routine activity for the Royal Navy.

“By maintaining a visible and persistent presence, the Royal Navy ensures compliance with maritime law and deters malign activity to protect our nation’s interests.

“Escorting the Russian task group alongside forces from our NATO allies has demonstrated the UK’s commitment to the alliance and to maintaining maritime security.”

HMS Portland left her home port of Plymouth on Saturday on her latest patrol.

The frigate, which had a major refit two years ago, is adept at surface warfare operations as well as hunting submarines.