The group said it was now axing more than the 4,700 roles and 3,000 contactor cuts announced at the start of the year.

However, new figures were stronger than expected by economists, who had predicted a reading of 51.2 for the latest month.

Mr Harris asked that everything is done to ensure the release of Ms Heraty and other hostages, including a three-year-old child.

The Russian Foreign Ministry linked the decision to efforts by the US and its allies to develop intermediate-range weapons.

The Ghanaian midfielder, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape against two women as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.