'Spy' links to Britain investigated

Flame-haired entrepreneur Anna Chapman, 28, is one of 11 people accused by the United States of working as secret agents for Russia's

intelligence service, the SVR.

Details have emerged of how she spent time working in London and may even have a British ex-husband.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) confirmed it was looking into her connections to Britain.

But it refused to comment on whether it was investigating the possibility that Chapman spied against the UK while living here.

An FCO spokesman said: "This is primarily a matter for the US authorities, but of course we will ensure we look into any suggested British links. As we said yesterday, we will be investigating this fully with the USA.

"We are establishing the facts so it would be wrong to comment further at this stage. We are also not going to comment on any specific individuals."

The FCO said it could not comment on whether the Government had discussed the case with their Russian counterparts.

Chapman, who was arrested in New York on Monday, states on her profile on the professional networking website LinkedIn that she worked in London between 2003 and 2007.

Private aircraft hire firm NetJets Europe confirmed she was formerly employed in its London office.