ROYAL NAVY MONITORS RUSSIAN SHIP THROUGH ENGLISH CHANNEL
HMS Tyne is due to return to Portsmouth today
A Royal Navy patrol ship has shadowed a Russian vessel through the English Channel.
HMS Tyne sailed on Christmas Eve to keep watch on the Smolnyy Perekov as it passed close to UK territorial waters.
The Portsmouth-based ship remained at sea on Christmas Day to monitor the Russian vessel, the Royal Navy said.
Commander Jon Browett, HMS Tyne's Commanding Officer, said: "Leaving our families at this time of year is especially difficult, but national security doesn't stop for Christmas, and as one of the duty units over the festive period we had bags packed and were ready to go.
"We had members of the ship's company returning at short notice from all over the country and, hard as it is for those left at home, we are committed to keeping Britain safe all year round.
Published: by Radio NewsHub