The Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier is due to leave Portsmouth for the second time in four days after being forced to turn back to port.

HMS Illustrious left Portsmouth for the Indian Ocean on Monday to lead a multi-national fleet in diplomatic visits over four months.

But a meat refrigeration unit was found to be faulty and the ship turned back.

The ship, which underwent repairs at Portsmouth Harbour, is due to leave the port sometime overnight.

A Royal Navy spokesman said the problem would not affect the vessel’s schedule.