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Russian claims that Boris Johnson has been kept on a ventilator after being admitted to hospital have been branded “disinformation” by Number 10.

The Prime Minister was hospitalised last night after suffering persistent symptoms of coronavirus - a temperature and a cough.

Number 10 said the PM was being kept in for observation after routine tests.

His spokesman said he had a “comfortable night” and that he was “in good spirits.”

But state-run Russian news agency RIA-Novosti claimed his condition was worse than the government had admitted - claiming he was “urgently” hospitalised and would be placed on a ventilator.

The agency cited the claim to a person “close to the leadership of the national health system.”

(Image: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

But asked about the report today, the PM’s spokesman said: “That is disinformation.”

He went on: “Our specialist government units have seen a rise in false and misleading narratives since the coronavirus outbreak. It is vital that such disinformation is knocked down quickly.

“The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Cabinet Office continue to work closely with social media companies to press for further action to stem the spread of falsehoods and rumours.

“Very clearly we would take that as disinformation.”

The spokesman could not confirm when the PM is expected to be discharged.

"The prime minister was admitted to hospital for tests last night as a precaution," he said.

"The issue is that his symptoms have remained persistent. The prime minister had a comfortable night in St Thomas's hospital and is in good spirits. He remains in hospital under observation."