US Embassy staffer flown out of UK before police interview over child abuse images

A US embassy worker in London was detained and removed to the US in August before British police could question him over alleged possession of indecent images of children.

US Embassy staffer removed from UK ahead of police questioning over child abuse images

A member of staff at the US Embassy in Vauxhall, south-west London, was detained at his south London flat and flown back to the United States in August before British police had the opportunity to interview him, bbc.co.uk reports.

The individual, who is not a diplomat but nonetheless held diplomatic protection, is accused of possessing indecent images of children. He was transported to the US on a commercial flight while investigations remain ongoing.

The US Embassy confirmed to the BBC that the allegations are under active investigation and that the staff member has been reassigned to the United States while enquiries continue.

"The United States government expects all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and we take these allegations seriously," embassy officials said in a statement. They added that they "quickly informed UK law enforcement and took swift action."

It is understood that Home Office ministers and the Metropolitan Police are in close contact with the US Embassy as the joint investigation proceeds.

A UK government spokesperson said: "We expect all foreign diplomats in the UK to abide by our laws, in the same way we expect all UK diplomats to do so when posted overseas."

No charges have been publicly confirmed and the matter remains under investigation by authorities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)