The British Foreign Office says the most senior diplomat in London has defected.

Syrian Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Khaled al-Ayoubi informed the Office today that he has left his post in the Syrian Embassy there.

He is quoted by a spokesperson as saying he is no longer willing to represent a regime that has committed such violent and oppressive acts against its own people.

His departure is seen as another blow to the Assad regime.

A Foreign Office Spokesperson said “It illustrates the revulsion and despair the regime’s actions are provoking amongst Syrians from all walks of life, inside the country and abroad”.

The British Foreign Office says it urges other officials in Syria to follow his example.