Foreign security official detained at hotel

A security official attached to an international team was on Sunday detained at the entrance of a five star hotel in New Delhi after a firearm was recovered from him during a security check.

"A small firearm was recovered from a person who was part of the security staff attached to a foreign team. He was carrying a diplomatic pass and was not authorised to carry any arms," Union Home Secretary G K Pillai said.

He said the weapon was recovered from the person during the security check as he was about to enter the Ashoka Hotel where a number of foreign officials are staying.

"People from other countries who were present there were very happy with the security personnel over detection of the gun," Pillai said.

The official is understood to be from the Singapore High Commission who had come to see his team housed in the hotel, sources said.

The official was questioned by security agencies and later let off, they added.

Pillai said a team of Scotland Yard was also in town and was studying the security arrangements for the English team.

He said they were picking up tips as London is set to host the 2012 Olympics.