Royal Marine commandos boarded the Russian shadow fleet tanker - the Smyrtos - early this morning in a six hour operation, backed by British military aircraft, a frigate and a minehunter.

The interception is the first of its kind, with forces using helicopters to take control of the Smyrtos.

British armed forces intercepted the Russian oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, boarding the vessel with Royal Marines and NCA officers. The ship is being held and…