WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be interviewed at the Ecuadorian embassy in London next week, Swedish prosecutors have said.

In a move that could spell a breakthrough in a deadlock that has seen the Australian holed up in the embassy since 2012, Ecuador has granted a Swedish request for a hearing on 14 November.

A statement on the Swedish Prosecution Authority website said: "Ecuador has granted the Swedish request for legal assistance in criminal matters and the interview will be conducted by an Ecuadorian prosecutor."

Sweden's assistant prosecutor - Chief Prosecutor Ingrid Isgren - and a Swedish police investigator will be present at the interview and will report their findings back to Stockholm.

The statement says a DNA sample will be taken at the hearing if Mr Assange, 45, agrees to provide it.


Image: Mr Assange was granted asylum in 2012

Swedish authorities want to question him over allegations that he committed rape in 2010. Mr Assange has not been charged and denies the allegations.

Mr Assange has claimed if he is extradited to Sweden over the allegations, he will be sent to the US to be prosecuted for the publication of secret documents including US diplomatic cables through WikiLeaks.

He also faces arrest by British police if he leaves the embassy building.

Last month, Ecuador's foreign ministry admitted it had temporarily restricted Mr Assange's internet access at its London embassy.