The British navy said Wednesday that is ramping up measures to protect its waters from secret Russian operations after identifying a Russian spy vessel in UK waters for the second time in weeks.

The Royal Navy has been monitoring a Russian spy ship after it was spotted around UK waters earlier this week, the defence secretary has told MPs. John Healey said the vessel, Yantar, was used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK's critical underwater infrastructure.

Britain on Wednesday warned that it faced a growing threat of aggression from Russia, asserting that a Russian spy ship had passed by the English coast for the second time in three months.

A rare red weather warning has been issued as winds of up to 100mph are forecast to hit Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Schools are closed and millions have been told to stay inside as Storm Eowyn brings winds of over 100mph to Britain. A rare red weather warning is in place in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the Met Office warning of a significant risk to life posed by flying debris as well as damage to buildings and power lines.