Britain warns Ecuador over Assange asylum

QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Ecuador accused Britain on Wednesday of threatening to storm its London embassy to arrest Julian Assange after the United Kingdom issued a stern warning to the South American nation ahead of its decision on an asylum bid by the WikiLeaks founder.

Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said Britain had earlier in the day issued "a written threat that it could assault our embassy" if Assange is not handed over.

Mr Patino also said he would announce on Thursday morning whether Ecuador would grant the request of the secret-spilling former Australian hacker, who took refuge in Ecuador's embassy on June 19 to avoid extradition to Sweden.

Assange faces questioning there for alleged sexual misconduct.