Saudi claims immunity over child-sex allegations

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A Saudi embassy official has claimed diplomatic immunity after being arrested by police for allegedly molesting an 11-year-old girl in London.

The 41-year-old official was released early last week by police after he claimed his right to immunity. The alleged assault reportedly occurred during a party at the Holland Park home of a diplomat who works at another embassy.

Last night, the Foreign Office said it was in contact with the Saudi embassy and it was considering whether to request a waiver of the right to diplomatic immunity from the Saudis.

A Metropolitan Police spokes-man said: "A 41-year-old man was arrested on the morning of 26 July connected with an allegation of indecent assault on an 11-year-old girl in the west London area overnight.He was taken to a west London police station. He has diplomatic immunity, consequently he was released with no further action but we have reported the matter to the Foreign and Commonwealth office."