Swedish prosecutors have confirmed that they are reopening an investigation into a rape allegation against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

At a press conference in Stockholm this morning, the country’s Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Eva-Marie Persson said a preliminary investigation into the allegations would be re-opened.

Prosecutors shelved the case in 2017 because they were unable to proceed while Mr Assange was holed up at the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

Wikleaks

He had sought asylum in the building in a bid to avoid extradition to the US where he faces charges over Wikileaks publication of secret US Army and diplomatic documents, provided by the whistleblower Chelsea Manning.

He was arrested after the Ecuadorian Government abruptly withdrew his asylum last month.

He was charged with breach of bail and sentenced to 50 weeks in a UK jail.

He has indicated his intention to fight his extradition and experts believe the process could "many months" if not years.

Swedish investigation

When the Swedish charges were dropped, prosecutors said the investigation could be reopened if the situation changed.

Announcing the decision to reopen it this morning, Ms Persson said the case was still at the preliminary stage and suggested that police could interview Mr Assange via video-link from London.

She said a European Arrest Warrant would be issued, adding that it would be up to the UK authorities to decide which extradition request to prioritise.