British fighter planes and a warship were scrambled yesterday as Russian bombers and vessels passed close to the UK. 

The missing cargo ship which reportedly sailed through the English Channel after it had been boarded by pirates, will only have enough fuel to last a few more days at sea, a maritime expert said today.

A secret cargo and not just timber may be on board a missing ship whose last known radio contact was with British Coastguards, it was suggested today.

An international maritime search was underway tonight for a missing cargo ship amid fears it was under the control of pirates as it passed through the English Channel.