CPS deciding whether to charge MP over 'punch' CCTV

Files have been handed to the CPS by Cheshire Police

The Crown Prosecution Service is considering whether to bring charges against MP Mike Amesbury after a video emerged of him appearing to punch a man to the ground.

A statement from Cheshire Police confirmed it had passed a file to the CPS after questioning the 55-year-old backbencher about the incident in Frodsham, Cheshire, last weekend.

Amesbury, who represents Runcorn and Helsby, was suspended from the Labour Party last Sunday after footage emerged apparently showing him continuing to hit the man lying on the ground as people nearby shouted "stop it".

He was not arrested but has been interviewed under caution after attending a voluntary police interview.

A statement from Cheshire Police said: "A file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service on Tuesday October 29 for their consideration and we are awaiting their decision."

The CPS confirmed that it had received a file but was unable to give a timescale for its decision on whether to charge Mr Amesbury.

In a statement released shortly after the incident, Mr Amesbury said he had reported himself to the police and would co-operate with their inquiries while remaining "an open and accessible MP for our community".