China's state media accuses worker at UK consulate 'of visiting prostitutes'

Allegation directed at employee of consulate in Hong Kong is often used by Bejing authorities to smear critics

Chinese state media has accused a worker at the British consulate in Hong Kong who is detained in mainland China of visiting prostitutes - an accusation often used by the authorities to smear the reputation of government critics.

Simon Cheng, 28, a trade and investment officer for Scottish Development International, travelled to Shenzhen, a city that borders Hong Kong, on 8 August. He sent messages to his girlfriend as he was about to cross back over the border at about 10pm and has not been heard from since.