Vladimir Putin has been ‘neutralised’ by a stealthy coup as rumours about his health and well-being continue to flourish

‘Vladimir Putin is ‘alive’ but ‘neutralised’ as shadowy security chiefs stage a stealthy coup in Moscow, it was claimed last night.

Former FSB chief Nikolai Patrushev was behind the plot, claimed chairman of the pro-Kremlin national Islamic Committee, Geydar Dzhemal.

There have been no confirmed sightings of Putin for nine days, while in the febrile atmosphere engulfing Moscow a convoy of large trucks parked outside the Kremlin fueled rumours of a flit by the president.’

Read more: Vladimir Putin has been 'neutralised' by a stealthy coup as rumours about his health and well-being continue to flourish