STEPHEN Kinnock, son of former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock and Euro MP Glenys Kinnock was arrested in St Petersburg today.

Strained relations between Britain and Russia deteriorated further after the director of the British Council in St Petersburg was detained.

Several other Russian national employees have also been summoned for questioning by the authorities, according to the cultural organisation.

Downing Street insisted it was "completely unacceptable'' for Russia to try and intimidate Council staff.

"It's clear that the British Council operates legally in Russia to the benefit of many thousands of Russian citizens,'' a spokesman added.

Russian news agency Interfax reported that he was detained by road police officers last night on suspicion of drunk driving. He was detained for an hour before being released.