US vows to crack down on leaks after public rebuke from British officials

representative to Nato and a former CIA analyst, said the leak was “unfortunate” and could be damaging to long-term security.

He said the leaked images revealed little crucial information but their release could harm the key relationship in fighting international terrorism

“If you are an allied intelligence service you are going to think twice about sharing something if you believe this could now be published in the New York Times, it could be released, it could be out there,” Mr Volker said.

The cut-off of intelligence sharing is understood to only affect law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, rather than between MI5 and MI6 and their US counterparts.

The New York Times defended its coverage, saying: “The images and information presented were neither graphic nor disrespectful of victims, and consistent with the commonlineofreportingonweapons used in horrific crimes.

“We have strict guidelines on how and in what ways we cover sensitive stories. Our coverage of Monday’s horrific attack has been both comprehensive and responsible.”

During First Minister’s Questions at the Scottish Parliament, Nicola Sturgeon said the leaks were “completely unacceptable” and backed the decision to temporarily cut off intelligence-sharing.

The First Minister said: “The ability of countries to share intelligence confidentially and securely is one of the things that helps keep us safe, and the importance of that and the importance of having trusted arrangements such as through the Five Eyes system cannot be overestimated.

“So I do share the anger and disbelief of the UK government that we have seen sensitive details from this ongoing live investigation leaked to the media in America.”