The C-Lion1 cable between Finland and Germany was severed in the Baltic Sea, its operator said, after damage was reported to another cable linking Lithuania and Sweden.

Germany and Finland say they are "deeply concerned" after an undersea cable linking the countries was severed.The rupture of the 1,170km (730-mile) telecommunications cable - which is being investigated - comes at a time of heightened tension with Russia.

Germany's defense minister said Tuesday officials have to assume damage to two data cables under the Baltic Sea, one of which ends in Germany, was caused by sabotage — though he said they have no proof at present.