Senior British politicians, including both contenders to be the next prime minister, on Saturday joined journalists in criticizing police for warning media not to publish leaked government documents, saying it was a "dangerous road to tread."

Last week, a Sunday newspaper published leaked memos from Sir Kim Darroch, Britain's ambassador to Washington, that provoked a serious diplomatic spat with U.S. President Donald Trump and ultimately led to the envoy announcing his resignation.

Neil Basu, Britain's most senior counterterrorism officer, said Friday police will investigate who was responsible but also warned journalists and publishers they, too, could be in breach of the law if further documents are leaked.