Aide to UK's PM arrested in child porn inquiry
Patrick Rock has been closely involved in drawing up Government policy on internet porn filters.
London: Patrick Rock a senior aide to Prime Minister David Cameron has been arrested and has resigned after images potentially related to child pornography were found from his computers.
He quit after the Prime Minister learned he was at the centre of a police probe over images of child abuse. Cameron's Downing Street office says officials found out about the potential offense on Feb 12 and notified the National Crime Agency. A spokesman says Patrick Rock was arrested at his home the next day.
It says police have searched information systems and offices at Downing Street. The Daily Mail first reported Rock's arrest and his resignation, which were confirmed by Downing Street.
The 62-year-old Rock, was one of Cameron’s closest aides and had served as deputy head of a Downing Street policy unit. He was also advising the government on its plans to have Internet providers use filters to prevent the distribution of child pornography.
Mr Rock was a follower of Margaret Thatcher and has held a series of senior posts in the Conservative Party. He has been close to Mr Cameron for many years.