Our cyber spooks are set for counter-attack ANALYSIS

CYBER spooks have the ability to launch a huge assault on Russia’s infrastructure, industry and military if they are given the go-ahead.

The UK’S GCHQ listening station smashed 188 potentially devastating malware attacks last year.

But it is also capable of carrying out its own offensives.

If it is proved that President Putin ordered the nerve gas hit on Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Britain will quietly retaliate.

There is likely to be an assault on the Russian leader’s super-wealthy oligarch supporters with their gangster lifestyles.

Last time Europe slapped sanctions on

Putin’s pals was when

Russia invaded Crimea and moved into the

Ukraine in 2014. Their bank accounts wer e frozen and visa restrictions crippled their ability to travel. They were livid, and rumours spread through the intelligence world that Putin was facing a coup and had disappeared somewhere in Russia. The oligarchs hold great power in Russia and could turn on him if they are denied access to their European mansions and bank accounts.

Cyber activity and expulsions of diplomats and intelligence officers are certain to happen.

But the most devastating British response to a Russian state-sponsored hit on our streets will be to app ly a financial squeeze on the oligarchs. Victims were found on bench