Space Command chief suspended amid investigation into alleged sexual offence

Britain's military space operation chief has been suspended amid an investigation into an alleged serious sexual offence.

Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson took charge of the UK Space Command earlier this year after previously serving as its deputy commander.

He is responsible for running Britain's military operations in space, including monitoring threats and protecting satellites.

An RAF spokesperson said: "Air Vice-Marshal James Thompson was suspended without prejudice as part of an investigation."

A Defence Serious Crime Command spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a member of the RAF was arrested in connection to reports of theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult.

"The theft investigation has concluded and has been referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority for a charging decision.

"The investigation into the alleged serious sexual offence remains ongoing, and therefore it'd be inappropriate to comment further."

The RAF said Air Commodore Darren Whiteley has been made the space organisation's interim commander.

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Headquartered in Buckinghamshire, Space Command brings together personnel and capabilities from the RAF, Army and Royal Navy.

Air Vice-Marshal Thompson joined the RAF in 1997 as a weapons technician.

He took over the Space Command role from Major General Paul Tedman, who announced his retirement in June.

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