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Around 6,500 Russian accounts tweeting supportive messages for Labour and denigrating the Conservatives, according to an investigation in The Sunday Times in conjunction with Swansea University. Many of the accounts were internet "bots" using English names programmed to bombard voters with orchestrated political messages, according to the paper. The findings echo claims made of Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election in support of Donald Trump. Culture Secretary Matt Hancock described the findings as "extremely concerning". He added: “It is absolutely unacceptable for any nation to attempt to interfere in the democratic elections of another country.

GETTY Academics warn the discovery may only be the tip of the iceberg

"The social media companies need to act to safeguard our democratic discourse and reveal what they know." Academics warn the discovery may only be the tip of the iceberg. The Sunday Times said it discovered overwhelming support for Labour and Jeremy Corbyn from the Russian social media accounts with nine out of 10 messages about the party supporting its campaign. Its research found that 80 per cent of the automated accounts had been created in the weeks leading up to polling day on June 8 and were particularly active at key points in the campaign. It said the bots retweeted publicity for Mr Corbyn's rallies around the country, amplified criticism of Theresa May over police cuts following the Manchester Arena bombing, and on polling day itself sent messages urging Labour supporters to turn out and vote.

GETTY Matt Hancock said the findings were 'concerning'

Labour dismissed the report and said it was not aware of receiving any support from automated bots during the campaign. A spokesman said the party "categorically" did not pay for any automated bots and was not aware of any of its supporters doing so. The report comes at a time when Mr Corbyn has been attacked by critics over his apparent unwillingness to criticise Russia over the Salisbury nerve agent attack and the alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria. But a Labour Party spokesman said the Russians had actually appeared to favour the Conservatives - not Labour - in the election.

GETTY Labour dismissed the report and said it was not aware of receiving any support