The Sun
December 6

A British diplomat has been sent home in disgrace after allegedly attacking locals near the embassy where he worked.

Chris Hirst, who was based in Tashkent — the capital of Uzbekistan — is said to have clashed with neighbours.

He is said to have tussled in the street with a man of 80 and a boy of 14.

Hirst, in his mid 30s, is also said to have screamed abuse at neighbours — and paraded his rottweiler dog near them.

Hirst, who was third secretary at the embassy, was ordered home after the Foreign Office sent an official to probe the complaints.

And he has now lost his job. His girlfriend Karen Moran — a consul at the embassy — was also disciplined and sent back to Britain after allegedly sweeping complaints about him under the carpet.

It is understood she now has a Foreign Office desk job in London.

Hirst served in Tashkent for three years and shared a house with Moran. A lawyer representing alleged victims has written to Foreign Secretary Jack Straw demanding Hirst be sent back to face charges.

The Foreign Office said: “An official resigned while an investigation into his conduct was under way. We cannot comment further.”

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