A US embassy staffer accused of possessing and distributing child sex abuse material, but left the UK before he was questioned by British police, is a high-ranking member of the US Air Force, the BBC has been told.

The BBC understands he is Lieutenant Colonel Michael Morris, who worked as an assistant military attaché at the embassy in south-west London.

He was questioned by American authorities after investigators alleged his US-based brother Benjamin Morris had shared child abuse material with him.

Benjamin Morris, 33, is facing trial in the US state of Illinois for the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, which he denies.

The Rock Island County State Attorney, Dora Villareal, told the BBC the allegations against Benjamin Morris relate to a period between March and April 2026.

His brother, Lt Col Michael Morris, was flown out of the UK in August on a civilian flight without first being questioned by British police.

While not a diplomat, it is understood he enjoyed the umbrella of diplomatic protection.

In September, the US embassy confirmed to the BBC that authorities are investigating the allegations and they reassigned the staff member to the US while inquiries continued.

A spokesperson for the US Air Force has since told the BBC: “Charges have been preferred against Lt Col Michael Morris, currently assigned to the Air Force District of Washington.

“The charges and evidence will be reviewed to determine whether the case should be tried by court-martial.”

The US Air Force said “charges are merely allegations and the Department of the Air Force member is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty”.

The spokesperson said a military hearing was due to take place in November at Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC, and Lt Col Morris will only enter a plea if the matter is referred to court-martial – a formal military criminal trial.

The US Embassy in London previously said it “expects all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and we take these allegations seriously”, adding it “quickly informed UK law enforcement and took swift action”.

The Metropolitan Police said: “We have been liaising regularly with the US authorities since they made us aware on Tuesday, 25 August of their investigation into suspected offences relating to indecent images of children.

“We are aware that charges have been brought in the US in relation to this case and that legal proceedings are ongoing. We remain in contact with the US authorities”.

A spokesperson for the UK government said: “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 BBC understands the government remains in close contact with the US Embassy, including at a ministerial level.