The Russian embassy in London has accused a major British bank of an "openly political" move after a TV channel's bank accounts were closed.

A statement drew links to the UK Government, which holds a 73% stake in NatWest parent Royal Bank of Scotland, following the suspension of accounts for RT.

The embassy claims the channel has previously been subjected to "a plethora of unsubstantiated Ofcom investigations".

Its statement said: "We are deeply concerned over the announcement of the British Government-owned NatWest bank that it intends to close the accounts of RT television channel.

"This openly political decision follows many similar acts of harassment and intimidation against Russian news outlets in UK.

"The Russian side is requesting explanations from the British Government for this unfriendly step."

RT was launched in 2005 as Russia Today and presents itself in the style of a news channel but critics point out that the network was founded by the Kremlin and continues to receive funding from the Russian government.

The Washington Post has called RT "a breathless cheerleader for the Kremlin" while CNN has branded it Putin TV".

Prime Minister Theresa May's official spokeswoman said on Monday the decision was taken by the bank "independently".

"It is a matter for the bank and it is for them to decide who they offer services to, based on their own risk appetite," said the spokeswoman.

An article posted on RT's website on Monday included a letter reportedly sent by NatWest to the broadcaster's London office.

It explained the Royal Bank of Scotland Group would no longer offer its service to RT and that all banking services and accounts would be closed by December 12.

Despite news reports suggesting the broadcaster's bank accounts had been frozen, a statement issued by RBS explained the accounts were still active.

RBS said: "These decisions are not taken lightly. We are reviewing the situation and are contacting the customer to discuss this further. The bank accounts remain open and are still operative."

It is not the first time that RT has run into trouble in the UK.

The media group has breached the UK's broadcasting code at least ten times over the past decade.

The station was put on notice by communications watchdog Ofcom, which warned further impartiality breaches could result in a fine.

Russia's embassy says targeting RT "amounts to squeezing alternative voices out of UK media space" and highlights the government's "inability to defend its case on issues where we happen to differ with appropriate means".

"The creation of unbearable conditions for Russian media, making their normal functioning impossible is a violation of UK obligations under OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe) norms," the embassy's statement said.

It added: "Silencing these news outlets is a blow to the principles of freedom of expression, allegedly cherished in Britain."

While insisting RT is "absolutely independent", Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted: "The channel is funded by the government so it cannot help but reflect the Russian government's official position on the events in our country and in the rest of the world one way or another."