Mike Amesbury: Labour MP 'sucker-punched' constituent before beating him six times in late-night bust-up

The Labour MP for Weaver Vale is being investigated by police after the alleged incident

Amesbury has said he was acting in self-defence after the man 'became aggressive'

Labour MP Mike Amesbury is being investigated by police after he allegedly 'sucker-punched' a constituent before beating him six times in a late-night bust-up.

The incident is said to have taken place on Friday night in the village of Appleton, Cheshire.

According to reports, Amesbury was involved in a verbal altercation with the man, who is said to have been drinking, before the situation escalated into violence.

It is alleged that Amesbury punched the man in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.

The MP is then said to have kicked the man six times in the head and body.

The man was taken to hospital with facial injuries.

Amesbury has said that he was acting in self-defence after the man 'became aggressive'.

The MP said in a statement: "I was the victim of an unprovoked attack by a constituent who was under the influence of alcohol.

"I acted in self-defence and I am confident that the police investigation will clear me of any wrongdoing."

Cheshire Police said in a statement: "We are investigating an incident that occurred in Appleton on Friday 30 September.

"A 42-year-old man was taken to hospital with facial injuries.

"A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and has been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries."

Amesbury is a former social worker and trade union official.

He was elected as the MP for Weaver Vale in 2017.

The MP is a member of the Labour Party's National Executive Committee.