Clarkson Row Producer Will Not Press Charges

Oisin Tymon, the Top Gear producer punched by Jeremy Clarkson during a row over food, has told police he does not want to press charges.

Mr Tymon had to drive himself to hospital when he was left with swelling and a split lip after the Top Gear presenter launched an "unprovoked" attack on him at a hotel in North Yorkshire on 4 March.

Clarkson's Top Gear contract has not been renewed by the BBC after an internal investigation found he had " crossed a line ".

The outspoken presenter received widespread public support - including from his friend, Prime Minister David Cameron - while one million people signed a petition calling for the BBC to reinstate him.

But Mr Tymon has received huge abuse from trolls on Twitter, including death threats .

On Thursday, Clarkson called on people to leave Mr Tymon alone "because none of this was his fault".

Mr Tymon's lawyer Paul Daniels issued a statement in which he said: "Mr Tymon has informed the police that he doesn't want to press charges.

"The events of the last few weeks have been extremely unpleasant for everyone involved. The matter has taken a great toll on Oisin, his family and his friends.

"Quite simply, Mr Tymon just wishes to return now to the job at the BBC he loves, as soon as possible. Further, the BBC have, in his view, taken action with a view to addressing the issues at hand.

"Mr Tymon agrees with the BBC's stated view that all parties should now be allowed to move on, so far as possible."

North Yorkshire Police, which has already spoken to some potential witnesses, said the force is still investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing."

Sky's north of England correspondent Gerard Tubb has spoken to a number of people who witnessed the row, including Sue and Alan Ward who said they have given statements to the police.

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

Chris Evans leads the betting as favourite to take over at the show, even though he has ruled himself out on more than one occasion.

Meanwhile, Clarkson's Top Gear co-presenter James May has been passing time by playing the recorder on YouTube.