Swedish prosecutors have dropped their investigation into sexual assault allegations against Julian Assange because they were "time barred".

The Wikileaks founder said he was "extremely disappointed" and said the Swedish prosecutor had avoided hearing his side of the story.

Prosecutors ran out of time to question and bring charges against Assange.

The Australian journalist and activist, who denies all allegations, still faces the more serious accusation of rape.

He sought asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, fearing he would then be sent to the US for questioning about the activities of Wikileaks.

Under Swedish law, charges cannot be laid without interviewing the suspect.

'Unacceptable'

Assange said he was innocent and claimed prosecutors had refused to visit him at the embassy.

They also refused to promise not to send him to the US if he were to go to Sweden, he said.

Assange said: "I am strong but the cost to my family is unacceptable."

A statement from the Swedish prosecutors said their director of public prosecution Marianne Nye had discontinued her investigation with respect to alleged sexual molestation and unlawful coercion.

An additional alleged incident of sexual molestation will be "time barred" on 18 August.

The Swedish statement said an incident of suspected rape will be "time barred" on 17 August 2020 and the investigation would continue.

The alleged events took place in August 2010.