British forces have boarded a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel.

The vessel SMYRTOS was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency on Sunday morning.

The military operation took six hours and was supported with aircraft from the Maritime Air Group (Chinooks, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat), an RAF P-8 aircraft, as well as HMS SUTHERLAND and HMS LEDBURY.

The vessel will now be moved to an anchorage off the South Coast of England and will be monitored for any environmental or safety concerns.

The operation took place in international waters and was carried out in accordance with domestic and international law.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide.

"I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said: "Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our Armed Forces personnel and all those involved.

"Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war."