Russia denies violating U.K. airspace

UK fighters 'sent to meet Russian bombers'
ROYAL Air Force fighter jets were scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers heading for British airspace, The Times said today, prompting fierce denials of brinkmanship from Moscow.

The newspaper said two RAF Tornados from its rapid reaction force took off from RAF base Leeming in northern England to confront the two Tu95 "Bear" bombers after they were shadowed by F-16s from the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

An unnamed RAF spokesman was quoted as saying that the Russian bombers, based near the northern port city of Murmansk in the Arctic Circle, turned back before they reached British airspace.

The Times, which said the incident happened yesterday, said there was no evidence to suggest it was linked to Britain's planned expulsion of four diplomats over Russia's stance on the Alexander Litvinenko affair. More....