London police launch investigation into parties during COVID lockdown at U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's residence

London — London's Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into gatherings held at No. 10 Downing Street, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official residence and office, which may have violated coronavirus lockdown laws, the police commissioner said Tuesday.

The government's own cabinet office has been conducting an investigation for weeks into allegations of multiple parties held at Downing Street while restrictions were in place, and whether they were attended by the prime minister, who admitted to spending less than half an hour at one outdoor gathering with food and wine. He said he believed it was a "work event."

Amid calls for Johnson to resign, even from members of his own party, the cabinet office's report, put together by longtime civil servant Sue Gray, was widely expected to be published this week. British broadcasters said Tuesday, however, that its release may be delayed due to the now ongoing police investigation.