COLD WAR-NING: Putin sends attack sub loaded with MISSILES to the ENGLISH CHANNEL

VLADIMIR Putin has sent an submarine loaded with missiles into the heart of the English Channel, sparking fears over a second Cold War.

British Navy crews from HMS Kent raced to intercept the Soviet sub, which was also stocked with tornadoes, just days before Euro 2016 kicks off.

The ruthless Russian leader’s latest act of aggression comes ahead of England’s opening game against Russia on Saturday.

Military insiders say the deadly submarine – which has the capability to launch surface-to-air missiles – had been monitored since Sunday when it left its base in Severmorsk, northern Russia.

It was accosted by HMH Kent as it made its way down England’s eastern coastline.

The Russian vessel will be guided through the Dover Straits at 10am today under close scrutiny from British sailors.

Defence secretary Michael Fallon hailed the Royal Navy for protecting Britain from Putin’s postulating.

He said: ““This shows that the Navy is maintaining a vigilant watch in international and territorial waters to keep Britain safe and protect us from potential threats.”

HMS Kent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Daniel Thomas, added: “Locating this submarine was a combined effort with NATO allies and shadowing such units is routine activity for the Royal Navy.

“We continue to escort the submarine as it conducts its passage, providing a visible presence.”

It is the first time in more than a decade that one of Putin’s subs has been spotted in the Channel.

The daring move comes after the Moscow leader has spent the last year ramping up his threats to Britain.

The Russian president embarked upon a large-scale military building programme in 2009 and is now believed to be putting it to work.

NATO confirmed a record number of Russian subs had been spotted in the North Sea in the last year, while Putin has also sent numerous military planes into British airspace over the last year.

Moscow Blackjack jets were intercepted over the North Sea in February and September as well as two Bear Bombers located near UK airspace in May last year.

The Kremlin leader’s actions prompted retired admiral and former supreme allied commander of NATO James Stavridis to issue a chilling warning that another Cold War could be on its way.

He said: "We are not quite back in a Cold War, but I sure can see one from where we are standing."