Clarkson 'Fracas' Witnesses Quizzed By Police

North Yorkshire Police says it has spoken to some potential witnesses over the Jeremy Clarkson incident in a county hotel.

Earlier this month Clarkson, 54, was involved in an "unprovoked physical and verbal attack" that left Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon with swelling and a split lip.

The force said it had "a duty to investigate where we believe an offence might have been committed".

On Wednesday the BBC announced that it would not be renewing Clarkson's Top Gear contract.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said it had been contacted by "concerned members of the public" who wanted to know what action the police are taking, if any.

"No-one who was present at the hotel during the incident came forward to report an offence to the police. Nonetheless, we have a duty to investigate where we believe an offence might have been committed, and that is what we have been doing with this case.

"We have already spoken to some people who were in the hotel at the time, but there are still others we need to speak to, who could help us to determine exactly what happened.

"Also, as is usual in these circumstances, we have made contact with Mr Tymon through his lawyers, to ask him to speak to us so we can ascertain how he wishes to pursue this matter."

The force said it was working with the BBC to see if any action needs to be taken against the presenter .

Clarkson faces an uncertain future as reports suggest his co-stars may leave the show alongside him.

He did not stop to answer reporters' questions on Thursday, but when asked what he would like to say to fans who may be upset about him leaving the show, he said: "Everybody's upset."

BBC director-general Tony Hall has made it clear he wants the show to continue but its future is in doubt after co-host James May said he was considering his position and Richard Hammond declared the "end to an era".

The BBC confirmed that Clarkson's contract would not be renewed after its investigation found the presenter's attack on Mr Tymon left him needing hospital treatment.

Sky and Channel 4 are understood to have ruled out working with Clarkson, while ITV would not comment on "a BBC issue".

But the BBC's creative director, Alan Yentob, offered a potential olive branch by refusing to rule out a return to the corporation for Clarkson in the future.

He told BBC2's Newsnight: "Of course I wouldn't rule that out, but that's not for now."

All three presenters' contracts run out at the end of this month.