An alleged incident of sabotage onboard a next-generation Royal Navy warship at a Scottish shipyard has prompted an inquiry into who was responsible.

A number of cables on HMS Glasgow were “damaged intentionally” and were discovered earlier this week, defence contractor BAE systems said.

HMS Glasgow is the first of the new series of Type 26 frigates and is being built at the Scotstoun shipyard in Glasgow.

A BAE systems spokesperson added: “We immediately launched an internal investigation, alongside our suppliers, and temporarily paused work on the ship to inspect every area of the vessel and ensure our high standards and quality controls are met.

“Normal operations have now resumed and an assessment is under way to scope the repairs needed.

BAE systems did not confirm a motive for the damage or who it suspected was responsible.

According to the UK Defence Journal, more than 60 cables were severed.

The first of its kind, HMS Glasgow is designed to be a “adaptable, future-proofed ship”, the Navy says.

It is the first of eight Type 26 frigates being built by BAE systems in Glasgow.

HMS Cardiff and HMS Belfast are also under construction with HMS Glasgow and are expected to enter service in the late-2020s.