ROME (Reuters) - The Italian ambassador to Turkmenistan has been detained by the police in the Philippines, who have accused him of violating laws on the safeguarding of children, the Foreign Ministry in Rome said on Sunday.

The ambassador, Mr Daniele Bosio, denies the accusations, a ministry spokesman said, adding that the Italian Embassy in Manila was aware of the situation.

Mr Bosio was on holiday in the Philippines, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica said.