Britain has warned of severe consequences after US and UK warships were forced to repel a barrage of 20 Houthi rockets, drones and cruise missiles fired at ships in the Red Sea.

It was the most sustained and complex assault mounted by the Iranian-backed group since the Houthi force governing Yemen from the capital, Sana’a, launched its attacks. More than 20 attacks have been mounted since mid-October, deterring a large number of major shipping companies from using the Red Sea naval route and pushing up prices.

Grant Shapps, the UK defence secretary, said: “The attacks launched by the Houthis are unacceptable and their consequences will be severe”.

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