Britain sends six RAF jets to Cyprus in defensive role

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said the air-to-air interceptor jets would be deployed to the British Akrotiri base in Cyprus on Thursday.

"This is purely a prudent and precautionary measure to ensure the protection of UK interests and the defence of our Sovereign Base Areas at a time of heightened tension in the wider region," the spokesman said.

"This is a movement of defensive assets operating in an air-to-air role only. They are not deploying to take part in any military action against Syria."