Russia is bombing ships which are carrying food to Gaza, British intelligence has shown.

Kremlin strikes on ports in Ukraine have delayed vital aid from being delivered to Palestinian civilians, British officials said.

Sir Keir Starmer said the evidence showed Vladimir Putin was “willing to gamble on global food security” in his pursuit of victory.

British intelligence found that grain ships supplying Gaza have become “collateral damage” during Russian missile strikes.

According to defence officials, at least four merchant vessels were struck by Kremlin bombs in nine days between Oct 5 and Oct 14.

They include a Panama-flagged container ship which was carrying sunflower oil as part of a United Nations shipment.