No 10 dismisses Russia spy claims as 'baseless'

Downing Street has denied allegations that a British diplomat expelled from Russia was a spy.

Russian state-run news agencies reported that the country's security service FSB accused the diplomat - whose photo was shared on Russian TV bulletins - of providing false information on his documents and carrying out espionage activities.

When asked if a tit-for-tat expulsion would occur, a No 10 spokesman said they were "considering" their response.

"To be clear, we refute these allegations" he said, calling them "baseless."

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the ministry had also summoned the British ambassador, Tass news agency reported.

Footage shows the British ambassador's car pulling up to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow.

According to Tass, the FSB says that the diplomat was a replacement for one of six UK diplomats expelled in August, also on espionage charges.

"This is not the first time that [Vladimir] Putin's government has made malicious, baseless accusations against our staff," Downing Street said.

"The UK government is unapologetic about protecting our national interests and will now respond in due course, and our embassy in Moscow will continue its important work in Russia to support UK interests."