FIFTEEN Royal Navy sailors have been captured by Iranian warships today.The incident happened about 10.30am local time in Iraqi waters and followed a routine inspection of a merchant ship.

FIFTEEN Royal Navy sailors have been captured by Iranian warships today.

The incident happened about 10.30am local time in Iraqi waters and followed a routine inspection of a merchant ship.

The Ministry of Defence said: “The UK boarding party had completed a successful inspection of a merchant ship when they and their two boats were surrounded and escorted by Iranian vessels into Iranian territorial waters.

“We are urgently pursuing this matter with the Iranian authorities at the highest level and on the instructions of the Foreign Secretary, the Iranian ambassador has been summoned to the Foreign Office.

“The British government is demanding the immediate and safe return of our people and equipment.”