US leaker: Edward Snowden makes Ecuador asylum request

Edward Snowden, the former US intelligence contractor who leaked classified documents revealing US internet and phone surveillance, has asked Ecuador for asylum.

The request was confirmed by Ecuador's foreign minister on Twitter.

Mr Snowden had fled the US for Hong Kong but flew out on Sunday morning and is currently in Moscow.

The US wanted him extradited, but the Hong Kong government said Washington had failed to meet its requirements.

Gordon Corera reports.