The video of an MP appearing to hit a man is ‘very moving’, the minister says

Video footage appearing to show Labor MP Mike Amesbury Knocking a man to the ground is “very explicit”, a minister has said.

Footage appeared to show the 55-year-old MP for Runcorn and Helsby repeatedly hitting another man while others nearby shout “stop it.”

When asked about the images, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden told Sky News: “He has been suspended by the Work Party, that also means that he is not currently a Labor MP while the police investigation takes place.

“I have seen the video, there is a police investigation, I think it is important that it goes well.”

When questioned further about the clip, Mr McFadden added: “The video is very graphic, the police will look at that, I’m sure they will take it into account and come to a conclusion.”

The Member of Parliament lost the Labor whip on Sunday, with the party saying he had been suspended “pending an investigation” into the incident.

On Sunday, Cheshire Police confirmed that a 55-year-old man had been voluntarily interviewed under caution in connection with the incident after officers were called to reports of an assault in Frodsham at 2.48am on Saturday.

“He has now been released pending further investigation,” police said.

CCTV footage published on Sunday and obtained by the Mail Online captured two men facing off before the man pretending to be Mr Amesbury punched the other and then continued to knock him to the ground.

What happened in the preceding moments is not clear from the video.

It comes after several images posted on social media over the weekend appeared to show the MP shouting and pointing his finger at a man lying in the street.

“You’ll never threaten me again, will you?” You’ll never threaten me again, will you,’ he seemed to say.

In July last year, a 56-year-old man was convicted of stalking the MP at his constituency office in Frodsham, where prosecutors said he stared through the glass and asked security guards about their level of security.

Mr Amesbury said he “will work with any questions” but was “committed to remaining an open and accessible MP for our community” after initial images circulated online.

In a statement on Sunday, he said: “Last night I was involved in an incident that occurred after I felt threatened in the street after a night out with friends.

“This morning I personally contacted Cheshire Police to report what happened during the incident.

“I will make no further public comment but will of course co-operate with any investigations if required by Cheshire Police.”