Aide to British Prime Minister David Cameron held in child porn case

A senior aide to British Prime Minister David Cameron has resigned after being arrested on suspicion of child pornography offences, Downing Street confirmed.

Patrick Rock, 62, was arrested by officers from the National Crime Agency last month.

"On the evening of February 12, Downing Street was first made aware of a potential offence relating to child abuse imagery," a Downing Street spokesman said.

"It was immediately referred to the National Crime Agency.

"Patrick Rock was arrested at his home in the early hours of February 13, a few hours after Downing Street reported the matter. The prime minister was immediately informed and kept updated throughout.

"This is an ongoing investigation so it would not be appropriate to comment further, but the prime minister believes that child abuse imagery is abhorrent and that anyone involved with it should be properly dealt with under the law."