OFCOM has opened seven new investigations into the due impartiality of news and current affairs programmes on the RT news channel, it said.

The investigations form part of an Ofcom update into the licences held by TV Novosti, the company that broadcasts RT, formerly Russia Today.

It said the investigations were a result of the channel's coverage after the poisonining of Sergei and Yulia Skripel in Salisbury.

"Until recently, TV Novosti's overall compliance record has not been materially out of line with other broadcasters," Ofcom said.

"However, since the events in Salisbury, we have observed a significant increase in the number of programmes on the RT service that warrant investigation as potential breaches of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

"We will announce the outcome of these investigations as soon as possible. In relation to our fit and proper duty, we will consider all relevant new evidence, including the outcome of these investigations and the future conduct of the licensee."

The broadcasts all relate to the Salisbury incident or the chemical weapons attack in Syria and subsequent military action.

Two of the investigations are into a programme called Sputnik, hosted by George Galloway.

Ofcom previously announced it would consider whether the TV channel should broadcast in the UK if Russian involvement was proven in the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

The regulator previously said it had written to RT to explain that evidence of unlawful state interference would affect whether it was deemed "fit and proper" to hold a broadcasting licence.

The investigations form part of an Ofcom update into the licences held by TV Novosti.

The regulator said: "In relation to our fit and proper duty, we will consider all relevant new evidence, including the outcome of these investigations and the future conduct of the licensee."