International

Britain has threatened to shut down the Russian trade mission in north London, describing it as a “den of spies” as diplomatic tensions between the two countries reached a new height.

London escalated the row between the two countries after Moscow said more British embassy staff would have to be expelled from Russia as the fallout from the Salisbury poisoning intensified.

That came after Russian officials accused Britain of "provocation" following an enhanced search by a "rummage team" of UK border officials of an Aeroflot flight from Moscow.

One source confirmed the government was looking into shutting down the trade mission, adding 'The Highgate one is a den of spies', according to the Telegraph.

Britain also unveiled retaliations against EU countries - who along with the US and other allies have launched a bruising wave of sanctions in solidarity with the UK.

But the Foreign Office dismissed the latest swipe, saying the sabre-rattling by Moscow did not 'change the facts'.