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US Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby has commented on reports of a chemical attack in Mariupol.

He said: “We are aware of social media reports which claim Russian forces deployed a potential chemical munition in Mariupol, Ukraine.

“We cannot confirm at this time and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“These reports, if true, are deeply concerning and reflective of concerns that we have had about Russia’s potential to use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, in Ukraine.”

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss added on Twitter: “Reports that Russian forces may have used chemical agents in an attack on the people of Mariupol.

“We are working urgently with partners to verify details. Any use of such weapons would be a callous escalation in this conflict and we will hold Putin and his regime to account.”

Irish Foreign Minister, Simon Coveney tweeted: “Very concerning reports from a number of sources of the possible use of chemical weapons in Mariupol. Urgent verification of facts needed by international partners.”

Earlier Petro Andryushchenko, an aide to the mayor of Mariupol, wrote on his Telegram channel that reports of the attack had not been confirmed and that he expected to provide details and clarifications later.