Four RAF fighters intercept Russian aircraft

The latest incident happened on Wednesday

RAF fighter jets were scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft to the west of Shetland.

The two Russian Tu-142 Bears - used as strategic bombers and long-range maritime patrol planes - were shadowed on Wednesday.

The air force scrambled two pairs of Typhoons from its Quick Reaction Alert programme at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.

It was the second time RAF jets have been scrambled to monitor Russian aircraft in the last few days.

Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, chief of the air staff, said: "These Russian bombers do not comply with international air traffic rules, are a hazard to airliners and are not welcome in our airspace."

He said the reaction "ensured these Russian aircraft posed no hazard".

• Six RAF fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft

• RAF Lossiemouth crews on standby for 'quick alert' incidents

RAF Lossiemouth added: "At no point did the aircraft enter our sovereign airspace."

Last month, RAF jets were also scrambled from Lossiemouth after reports of unidentified aircraft flying towards UK airspace.