The devastating attack came as Sir Richard warned Britain and the West could be at war with Russia within a year if it fails to stand up to President Vladimir Putin’s aggression.

In a new book, he said the risk of conflict between the two sides is at its greatest since the Cold War and predicts they would be pushed over the edge if Russia invaded the Baltic States, who are Nato members.

In the preface, Sir Richard also criticises the demise of Britain’s standing on the world stage and its creeping unwillingness to engage militarily overseas.

He said Britain’s recapture of the Falklands in 1982 had impressed the world, including Russia, but that was now being lost by a government “terrified of being seen to commit”.