Russia summoned Britain’s military attache to explain reports RAF pilots had been given approval to shoot down Russian warplanes in the Middle East, the Foreign Office has said.

An “official explanation” was asked to be provided following reports that RAF Tornado fighters in Iraq had been fitted with missiles designed for aerial combat. The Russian ambassador in London, Alexander Yakovenko, said he “urgently requested explanations” from the Foreign Office, according to The Times. The reports have been described by the Foreign Office as “inaccurate”.