Mike Amesbury disturbance ‘is matter for police’

A video showing to point out an altercation involving Labour MP Mike Amesbury is a “matter for the police”, the Education Secretary mentioned.

Bridget Phillipson’s feedback come after she was requested whether or not the Labour get together could be investigating the incident in Cheshire.

The footage, which went viral after being posted on X on Saturday, appeared to point out Amesbury shouting and swearing at a person who was mendacity on the pavement throughout an obvious disturbance in Frodsham city centre.

The Labour member for Runcorn and Helsby was seen pointing to the person and saying “you won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?” within the early hours of Saturday.

Phillipson informed BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme: “Mike Amesbury has himself gone to the police. Cheshire police are now investigating the matter, I think it’s important they are now allowed to get on and do their job.

“It is true now the police look into this matter, examine and determine what motion, if any, is required.”

It is not clear from the footage, which was apparently filmed by an onlooker, what happened in the moments beforehand.

A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said officers were called to reports of an assault and were examining the circumstances.

A Labour Party representative said: “We are conscious of an incident that came about final evening. We perceive that Mike Amesbury MP approached Cheshire Police to report what occurred this morning himself and that he’ll cooperate with any inquiries they’ve.”

Posting on his own Facebook page, the 55-year-old backbencher said: “Last evening I used to be concerned in an incident that came about after I felt threatened following a night out with mates.

“This morning I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened.

“I cannot be making any additional public remark however will in fact cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.”

Cheshire Police mentioned: “At 02.48 BST on Saturday 26 October police were called to reports of an assault in Frodsham.

“A caller reported he had been assaulted by a man in Main Street. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The footage, which has been shared widely on X, shows some people trying to calm Mr Amesbury down, although others can be heard expressing anger and expletives.

Earlier on Friday, Mr Amesbury posted on X about attending a meeting with local residents about community safety and policing.

The politician, who has been a Labour MP in Cheshire since 2017, was also a shadow minister for local government when the party was in opposition.

In July 2023, a 56-year-old man was convicted of stalking and harassing the MP at his constituency office and in Frodsham town centre.

The court heard the offender had stared through the office glass, asked guards about their level of security, and followed and confronted Mr Amesbury on several occasions.

At the time, Mr Amesbury said it had resulted in him feeling “that little bit extra anxious”.