Another opportunity for FCO bloggers to write a lively Op-ed:

A high-ranking diplomat at the Foreign Office has been arrested after allegations that he launched a foul-mouthed anti-Semitic tirade.

Middle East expert Rowan Laxton, 47, was watching TV reports of the Israeli attack on Gaza as he used an exercise bike in a gym.

Stunned staff and gym members allegedly heard him shout: ‘F**king Israelis, f**king Jews’. It is alleged he also said Israeli soldiers should be ‘wiped off the face of the earth’

Meanwhile says the Daily Mail website:

Mr Laxton, who is still working normally, is head of the South Asia Group at the Foreign Office, on a salary of around £70,000.

The FCO is on the case:

A Foreign Office spokesman said: ‘It is too early to comment in detail on a matter that is currently the subject of police enquiries. But we take extremely seriously any allegation of inappropriate conduct on the part of our staff and continue to follow developments closely.’

Yet the News section on the FCO website seems to have little to say about this dull little story, leading instead on the gripping saga of Change of travel advice to Madagascar.

Diplomacy. All (and some inhuman) human life is there.