UK
Video shows moments before MP Mike Amesbury punched man in Frodsham
Video has emerged showing the moments before Labour MP Mike Amesbury punched a man in the street.
The footage shows them in an apparent face-off for about 30 seconds – a few feet apart and with hands in pockets – before Mr Amesbury suddenly hits the man in the face.
It’s unclear what they were talking about, but the politician claims he was “threatened on the street following an evening out with friends”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described footage of the incident as “shocking”. The Labour MP has been suspended from the party pending an investigation.
Cheshire Police has said a 55-year-old man was voluntarily interviewed under caution and “released pending further enquiries”.
Mr Amesbury represents Runcorn and Helsby, Pic: PA
The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday in Main Street, Frodsham.
Other previously released footage from another angle shows Mr Amesbury punching the man repeatedly after knocking him to the floor as members of the public intervene.
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Video of Mike Amesbury incident
In another clip, he can be seen shouting: “You won’t ever threaten me again.”
Mr Amesbury points at the man, saying: “Yes I am [the MP], yes I am, and you won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?”
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The MP said in a statement he had contacted “Cheshire Police myself to report what happened during this incident”.
He said he would not be making any further remarks but would cooperate with police if needed.
In July last year, a 56-year-old man was convicted of stalking Mr Amesbury at his constituency office.
Prosecutors said he was seen staring through the glass and asked guards about their level of security.