US Air Force says charges filed against former London embassy attaché

The US Air Force has told the BBC that formal military charges have been filed against Lt Col Michael Morris, whom the BBC identifies as a former assistant military attaché at the US embassy in London. Morris is under investigation in connection with suspected child sexual abuse images, but the Air Force has not specified the charges.

The Air Force said the charges and evidence would be reviewed before a decision on whether to refer the case to a court-martial. It said a military hearing was planned for November at Joint Base Andrews, near Washington. According to the BBC, Morris would enter a plea only if the case is referred for trial. The Air Force stressed that the charges are allegations and that he is presumed innocent unless proved guilty.

The BBC reported that Morris left the UK in August before being questioned by British police. The Metropolitan Police said US authorities informed it on 25 August of their investigation into suspected offences involving images of children, and that it remained in regular contact with them. Morris is now assigned to the Air Force District of Washington, according to the Air Force.