A US diplomat has allegedly been removed from Britain over allegations of possessing indecent images of children, with British police reportedly kept in the dark about the removal
US officials have ‘secretly flown an American diplomat’ out of the UK, despite American personnel having no powers of arrest in Britain.
The diplomat is reportedly accused of possessing indecent images of children and was extradited without prior notification to British police.
As reported by The Sun, US authorities conducted a raid on the diplomat’s London flat last month, subsequently seizing him and transporting him to an American airbase for removal.
American personnel lack any powers of arrest in Britain and, according to reports, there was no formal extradition request for the man.
UK ministers are believed to be liaising with the US embassy regarding the incident, which could potentially exacerbate tensions between London and Washington.
A Government spokesperson stated: “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.
“As a US investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”
The seizure of the man is said to be linked to an investigation into another individual in the US.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police commented: “On Tuesday August 25, US authorities made us aware of an investigation they are conducting into suspected offences in London relating to indecent images of children.
“We continue to liaise with them regarding this matter.”
It adds to already mounting tensions between Britain and the US, with Donald Trump expressing his support for a united Ireland,.
The 47th US president claimed Irish unification was inevitable as he spoke to reporters alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin, adding it “may as well happen now”.
Mr Trump also cast doubt on Britain’s willingness to defend the Falkland Islands should Argentina attempt an invasion.
This incident follows a situation two months ago when then-deputy prime minister David Lammy pledged to discuss with the US government the case of an American fighter pilot who evaded trial under English law for strangling a woman in Cambridge.
Captain Jacob Wulfson was court-martialled at a US airbase, despite his alleged crime occurring while he was off-duty, and received a six-month sentence after being found guilty of strangulation.
He was cleared of charges of sexual assault and aggravated sexual contact.
Downing Street expressed concern at the time that Capt Wulfson’s case had not been handled by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The Press Association has approached the US embassy for comment.