Mr Assange took refuge at the embassy in June to avoid extradition¹ to Sweden, where he faces questioning over assault and rape² claims, which he denies.

 

Ecuador says a decision on his bid for political asylum³ will come later.

 

The UK Foreign Office says it can lift the embassy's diplomatic status to fulfil a "legal obligation" to extradite the 41-year-old.

 

The Wikileaks website published a mass of leaked diplomatic cables that embarrassed several governments, particularly the US, in 2010, and Mr Assange says he fears that Sweden will pass him on to the American authorities.

 

A number of police officers are outside the Ecuadorian embassy, in Knightsbridge, where some of Mr Assange's supporters have also gathered. 

 

Demonstrators also protested outside the British embassy in Ecuador's capital. Images from Quito showed protesters holding signs saying "We are sovereign, not colonies" and a union jack⁴ being stepped on.

 

At a news conference in Quito on Wednesday, Ecuador Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said a letter from the UK government had been delivered through a British embassy official.

 

"Today we received from the United Kingdom an express threat, in writing, that they might storm our embassy in London if we don't hand over Julian Assange," he said.

 

"Ecuador rejects in the most emphatic⁵ terms the explicit⁶ threat of the British official communication."

 

He said such a threat was "improper⁷ of a democratic, civilised and rule-abiding country". 

 

He added: "If the measure announced in the British official communication is enacted⁸, it will be interpreted by Ecuador as an unacceptable, unfriendly and hostile act and as an attempt against our sovereignty. It would force us to respond.

 

"We are not a British colony."

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