MP Mike Amesbury who 'punched' man was arguing about local bridge closure, witness claims

An MP accused of 'punching a man to the ground' had been arguing about the temporary closure of a local bridge, a witness has said.

Labour MP Mike Amesbury, who was previously a senior councillor in Manchester, has been suspended from the Party after footage of the incident emerged online. The video appears to show the Runcorn and Helsby representative 'punching' a man at a taxi rank.

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. Mr Amesbury said he will cooperate with the investigation.

READ MORE: Video of MP Mike Amesbury 'punching man to ground' is 'shocking', Starmer says

New CCTV footage was then released by the Daily Mail on Sunday, appearing to show the MP 'punching a man to the ground'. The footage appears to show Mr Amesbury talking with the other man before knocking him down to the floor with a punch to his head.

The man is knocked over backwards, falling off the kerb and landing on the ground in a cobbled section of the road. Witnesses can be seen running over and heard shouting, as the security camera footage appears to show the MP being held back by onlookers.

A witness has now told The Times that the men had been discussing plans to close a nearby bridge. The MP had previously called the temporary closure of the Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge, which is set to happen for 33 days between January and March, 'unacceptable'.

The source told the newspaper that the conversation, which is also said to have touched on the winter fuel allowance, had become “heated” on both sides. However, the witness claimed that there had been no physical provocation before the 'punching' started.

Mr Amesbury is said to have been drinking at local pubs that evening. A woman whose sister was waiting for a taxi when the alleged incident took place told The Times that the MP was 'just drunk and beat someone up', before adding, 'he is trying to get out of it now'.

Mr Amesbury said on Saturday that he felt 'threatened' during the incident but promised to 'co-operate with any inquiries', adding that he was “determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community”. In a statement following the incident, he said: “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.”

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said on Sunday evening: "A 55-year-old man has been voluntarily interviewed under caution by police in relation to this incident. He has since been released pending further enquiries."