Police issue update on MP Mike Amesbury punch video

Cheshire Police have provided an update on the situation involving Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury after videos emerged over the weekend appearing to show him punching a man. Mr Amesbury, who represents Runcorn and Helsby in Parliament, has been suspended by the Labour Party amid ongoing investigations into the incident.

Cheshire Police confirmed a 55-year-old man had been voluntarily interviewed under caution in relation to the incident after officers were called to reports of an assault in Frodsham at 2.48am on Saturday. The force said he had since been released pending further enquiries.

Today, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the footage as "shocking" and defended Labour's decision to suspend Mr Amesbury. The Prime Minister said the party had “moved very swiftly” to respond after the footage emerged. Mr Amesbury was suspended by the party and lost the Labour whip on Sunday after a clip was published by MailOnline in which the Runcorn and Helsby MP is apparently seen continuing to hit the man lying on the ground as people nearby shout “Stop it”.

READ MORE: Mike Amesbury punch video 'very graphic' says minister

READ MORE: Labour suspends Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury over punch video

Sir Keir sidestepped a question about whether Mr Amesbury should resign as an MP but said: “I have seen the video footage, it’s shocking. We moved very swiftly to suspend him as a member and as a Member of Parliament. There is now a police investigation and in the circumstances you will appreciate there’s not much more I can say about that.”

Earlier, one of Sir Keir’s most senior ministers said the footage was “very graphic”. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden told Sky News: “He’s been suspended by the Labour Party – that also means he’s not a Labour MP at the moment while the police investigation takes place. I’ve seen the video, there is a police investigation, I think it’s important that that runs its course.”

Questioned further about the clip, Mr McFadden added: “The video is very graphic, the police will look into that, I’m sure they’ll take it into account and they’ve got to reach their conclusion.”

The party said on Sunday that the MP – who was part of Labour’s shadow ministerial team from 2018 to 2024 but failed to secure a frontbench role after the election – had been suspended.

A Labour spokesperson said: “Mike Amesbury MP has been assisting Cheshire Police with their inquiries following an incident on Friday night. As these inquiries are now ongoing, the Labour Party has administratively suspended Mr Amesbury’s membership of the Labour Party pending an investigation.”

CCTV published on Sunday captured two men standing facing each other before the man believed to be Mr Amesbury punched the other and continued hitting him on the ground. It is not clear from the video what happened in the moments beforehand.

It comes after different footage posted on social media on Saturday appeared to show the MP shouting and pointing his finger at a man lying in the street.

The man can be heard saying: “You won’t ever threaten me again, will you? You won’t ever threaten me again will you? Mr Amesbury said on Saturday that he will “co-operate with any inquiries”, but was “determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community” after the initial footage circulated online.

He said in a statement: “Last night, I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends. 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, co-operate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.”