Russian sources have claimed the Crimean Bridge was struck by two underwater drones, in an attack purportedly carried out by Ukrainian Intelligence and naval operatives, writes Joe Barnes.

Two explosions were reported at 3am local time close to the bridge, which links occupied Crimea to mainland Russia.

Footage later emerged on social media appearing to show a span of the strait’s road bridge.

Russia’s national anti-terrorism committee said: “A terrorist attack was carried out on the Crimean Bridge by two Ukrainian unmanned surface vehicles. As a result of the terrorist attack on the Crimean bridge, the road component of the bridge was damaged, two adults were killed and one child was injured.”

The Ukrainian Pravda outlet reported that the bridge was damaged in a strike by the country’s intelligence service and naval forces.

A source told the publication the blasts had been caused by a drone strike.

Kyiv’s forces have repeatedly attempted to hit with water-borne drones.

Just last week, Russia claimed it had repelled one of the most intense drone attacks on the Crimean port of Sevastopol, home of the Russian navy’s Black Sea Fleet.