The World Health Organization has rejected allegations reportedly made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over its handling of the pandemic.

Mr Pompeo is currently visiting the UK for talks. Last night in London, Mr Pompeo was reported to have said that the head of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was "bought" by China and that there are "dead Britons" because of it.

In a statement issued in Geneva, the WHO said: "WHO is not aware of any such statement but we strongly reject any ad hominem attacks and unfounded allegations.

"WHO urges countries to remain focused on tackling the pandemic that is causing tragic loss of life and suffering.”

Behind the scenes there is shock and fury at Mr Pompeo’s comments, and a clear reluctance to respond in detail for fear of amplifying them, said the BBC's Geneva correspondent Imogen Foulkes.

There is also frustration at being caught in the crossfire in a row between the US and China which the WHO feels has little to do with it, and more to do with US/China trade disputes and with America’s own Covid-19 crisis.

US President Donald Trump has previously been critical of the WHO, and earlier this month began the process of withdrawing the US from the agency.