There is a growing threat of international chemical and biological attacks, with some regimes willing to trial weapons on their own people, the UK Defence Secretary has warned.

Ben Wallace said such attacks were “what happens in a sort of breakdown of world order”, and expressed concern that certain authorities believed it was acceptable to use such weapons.

He said that the internet provided a “turbo boost” for both extremist groups and nation states looking to research and develop such weapons. Speaking to The Times at Porton Down, he said: “Globally, I think there is a growing threat of chemical or biological [attack].

“It depends on what is at hand for people using the internet.“There has been a worry that some states think it is acceptable to use that type of method to carry out or further their aims.”