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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Nadeem Badshah

Cheshire MP ‘will cooperate’ with police after reports of alleged assault

Mike Amesbury holding a microphone in front of a live close-up image of him on a screen
Mike Amesbury, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby, speaking in London’s Parliament Square in 2021 at a rally for leaseholders’ rights. Photograph: Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/Shutterstock

The MP Mike Amesbury said he will “cooperate with any inquiries” police have as officers investigate reports of an alleged assault involving the Labour backbencher in Cheshire.

Amesbury, 55, said an incident on Saturday had left him feeling “threatened” after footage circulated online appearing to show him berating a man who was lying on the road before a bystander pushed him away.

Cheshire police confirmed officers were called to reports of an attack in Frodsham and said that their inquiries were continuing. No one has been arrested, the force said.

In video footage shared on social media, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby appeared to point his finger at the man on the ground and say: “You won’t ever threaten me again, will you?” while someone off-camera shouts at him.

In a statement, Amesbury said he was “determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community” and would “cooperate with any inquiries” officers had about the apparent altercation.

“Last night, I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends,” he added.

“This morning, I contacted Cheshire police myself to report what happened during the incident.

“I will not be making further public comment but will, of course, cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire police.

“I remain fully committed to working hard for the people of Runcorn and Helsby, and am determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community.”

A Labour party spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident that took place last night.

“We understand that Mike Amesbury MP approached Cheshire police to report what happened this morning himself and that he will cooperate with any inquiries they have.”

Cheshire police said at 2.48am, officers were called to reports of an assault in Frodsham.

The force said: “A caller reported he had been assaulted by a man in Main Street. Inquiries are ongoing.”

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