Shapps: We will do what needs to be done

NAVY WARSHIP ATTACKED BY DRONES

- Katie Harris

BRITAIN could be on the brink of blasting bases in Yemen after the Iran-backed Houthi rebels aimed their biggest missile and drone strike at a Royal Navy warship in the Red Sea.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps yesterday warned the military might was in place "to do what needs to be done".

Asked if Britain would launch strikes on Yemen, he responded: "Watch this space."

HMS Diamond unleashed a barrage of Sea Viper missiles and anti-aircraft cannon to defend itself and other ships on Tuesday.

Mr Shapps said the Type 45 destroyer, with 260 crew, appeared to have been targeted, but the drones and missiles were downed with "no injuries or damage sustained".

British and American naval forces worked together to repel the attack. Warships and carrier-based jets shot down 18 kamikaze drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and an anti-ship ballistic missile.