Germany has summoned the British ambassador to its foreign ministry, over claims of spying by the British embassy in Berlin.

UK newspaper The Independent has published claims that Britain has been operating a "covert listening station" in Berlin, with hi-tech equipment mounted on the embassy roof. The report says the equipment could be used to eavesdrop on cell phone and government communications.

German officials told the British Ambassador that tapping communications from a diplomatic mission would be a violation of international law. No further details of the meeting have been made public. The newspaper report follows allegations that US intelligence may have targeted Chancellor Angela Merkel's cell phone. Last week, Berlin summoned the US ambassador over the allegations.