Embattled WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange sought political asylum at Ecuador's embassy in London on Tuesday evening.

Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino explained the populist leftist government of President Rafael Correa was weighing the request.

He said: "It is a very delicate matter and I believe that it is important that the government of Ecuador analyses, evaluates and studies the application and after that we can formally talk about this issue".

He gave no indication of when a decision might come.

The move comes less than a week after Britain's Supreme Court rejected Assange's bid to reopen his attempts to block extradition to Sweden.

He is wanted for questioning after two women accused him of sexual misconduct during a visit to the country in 2010, allegations he denies.