Spying is duller than Bond, ex-CIA agent claims

Fans of James Bond may want to look away now - a former secret agent has claimed that spying is actually "fairly dull."

Ex-CIA field officer, Robert Baer, said recruits were often inspired by spy movies to join up with intelligence agencies.

But unlike Hollywood blockbusters, Baer insisted helicopter crashes, police chases and gun battles were rare in reality.

Baer told BBC Radio 5 live's Up All Night: "The drama and espionage is few and far between. You don't use a gun. If a gun comes out you've lost the battle and it's time to run."