India UK envoy 'assaulted wife'

Delhi's foreign ministry has said it is looking into claims that an Indian diplomat in Britain assaulted his wife.

The envoy claimed diplomatic immunity when he was questioned about the incident by Scotland Yard last month, reports the UK's Daily Mail newspaper.

He is alleged to have attacked his wife after a row at their home in an upmarket part of north-west London.

Britain's foreign office has asked the Indian High Commission in London to waive the immunity of the official.

Officials say that he was questioned by police in London last month.

Neighbours reportedly called police after hearing raised voices at the property in the Golders Green area.

"The external affairs ministry and the high commission are carefully looking into the incident," a spokesman for the Indian High Commission in London told the Press Trust of India news agency.

"It involves sensitive and personal issues pertaining to the individuals. It is premature to make any further comment at this stage."

Police confirmed they had been called to an address in Corringham Road at about 0930 on 11 December following reports of an assault.

"A man aged in his 40s was spoken to by officers at the address. No arrests [were made]," Scotland Yard said in an e-mailed statement.