Prague, Aug 18 (DPA) Russia has expelled two Czech Republic diplomats Tuesday, following a move by Prague to dismiss two Russian diplomats over suspicion of spying.

The two countries have been at loggerheads over Czech accusations of Russian spying - mentioned in reports by the Czech BIS secret service - connected to US plans to place parts of a missile defence system in the Czech Republic.

Early Tuesday the Czech website idnes.cz reported that two Russian diplomats had been ordered to leave the country.

Interfax reported that two Czech diplomats were also told to leave Russia later Tuesday.

The idnes.cz report said the deputy defence attache had been directly ordered out of the Czech Republic, while another diplomat who was on holiday had been told not to return.

Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer has refused to comment on the matter.

There are around 200 staff at various Russian consulates and embassy in the Czech Republic.