The head of the UK's online child protection agency has reportedly quit over Government plans for the unit.

Sources said Home Secretary Theresa May has accepted the resignation of Jim Gamble the chief executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop).

It follows concern over plans to incorporate Ceop into a new National Crime Agency. It is believed that Mr Gamble thought the move would take away the unit's independence.

The move is not in the "best interest" of vulnerable children, Ceop said.

Others went further tonight in criticising the Government's proposals. Shadow home secretary Alan Johnson said it would "harm child safety networks".

Sara Payne, campaigner and mother of murdered eight-year-old schoolgirl Sarah, said she was "disgusted" by the Government's actions.