The Russian Ministry of Defence has attempted to dismiss accusations of alleged killings of civilians in the commuter town of Bucha, near Kyiv.

Amid widespread condemnation from Western leaders following the discovery of bodies after Russian troops withdrew from the town, Russia's MoD suggested the scenes were "the latest provocation" by Ukraine.

It claimed that no local residents fell victim to violent actions while it occupied the town - and it said Russian forces withdrew on 30 March. It said photographs and video footage were "the latest fake by the Kyiv regime".

The BBC is among the news organisations to have seen distressing scenes in Bucha, including 20 bodies dressed in civilian clothing strewn on a road, some with their hands tied behind their back.