Metropolitan Police has issued a statement after a rape investigation concerning Julian Assange was dropped.

On Friday (May 19), Swedish authorities dropped the rape case against the Wikileaks founder.

It marks the end of a seven-year legal stand-off which saw Mr Assange stay in the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

A spokesman for police said: "Westminster Magistrates' Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Julian Assange following him failing to surrender to the court on the June 29 2012.

"The Metropolitan Police Service is obliged to execute that warrant should he leave the Embassy.

"Whilst Mr Assange was wanted on a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) for an extremely serious offence, the MPS response reflected the serious nature of that crime.

"Now that the situation has changed and the Swedish authorities have discontinued their investigation into that matter, Mr Assange remains wanted for a much less serious offence.

"The MPS will provide a level of resourcing which is proportionate to that offence.

"The MPS will not comment further on the operational plan."

The spokesman continued: "The priority for the MPS must continue to be arresting those who are currently wanted in the capital in connection with serious violent or sexual offences for the protection of Londoners."

When asked, Met Police would not confirm what offence Mr Assange is still wanted for.

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