An investigation is being launched into claims that up to 10 British Second World War wrecks in Asia have been plundered for scrap metal.

Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary, said he was "very concerned" to hear fresh allegations that remains of four ships lying off the Malaysian and Indonesian coasts have been looted.

It comes after six wrecks, including Royal Navy battleships HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse, were feared to have been damaged or destroyed by scavengers.

Altogether the wrecks are thought to be the final resting place for hundreds of Royal Navy sailors and civilians.

Remains of the British and Dutch sailors were reportedly dumped by the metal merchants in an Indonesian cemetery.

Mr Williams said the Government "absolutely condemns" the unauthorised disturbance of any wreck containing human remains.

"I am very concerned to hear any allegations of incidents of Royal Navy wrecks being plundered in the Far East," he said.

"We will work closely with the Indonesian and Malaysian governments to investigate these claims."