Commons clerk on child porn charges

Police investigated computer equipment

A senior office clerk at the House of Commons has been charged with 10 counts of making indecent images of children, Scotland Yard has confirmed.

A spokeswoman said Philip Lyon had been bailed to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court in London on 10 September.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

Police entered the Commons to investigate Mr Lyon's computer equipment as part of an inquiry into an internet child pornography ring

It followed a tip-off from his employers, the Commons Authority.

Detectives were granted a warrant to search Mr Lyon's Westminster office, following a raid on his home in Basildon, Essex, five days earlier.

The 37-year-old's main duties include data entry and other office work, a Commons Authority spokeswoman said.