Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said that they had found signs of espionage in the work of the six diplomats and had revoked their accreditation as a result, according to Russian news agency Interfax.

The Foreign Office said the six diplomats had already left Russia weeks ago and had been replaced. They added that the FSB's remarks were part of a wider Russian effort to discredit the UK and that the embassy in Moscow remained open.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office said: "The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless.

"The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of 6 UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state directed activity across Europe and in the UK.

"We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.”

www.anews.az