By James Simons
Former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson has been arrested on suspicion of assault.
Robinson, 37, was detained after police received a report of an assault on a man at Hollywood Retail Park in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, shortly after 8.30pm on Thursday.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
He is also being questioned in custody on suspicion of a public order offence, along with a 43-year-old man from the West Midlands area, a 47-year-old man from the North Wales area and a 28-year-old man from the Bedfordshire area.
Robinson, claimed to be in the town filming a documentary about the allegations and addressed crowds that had gathered in a retail park.
Footage shared on social media shows Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, filming himself, before including police officers who arrive at an address in the town.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
Robinson explains to an officer that he “acted in self defence” after he says that someone spat in his face.
In a statement issued on Friday, Cumbria Police said: “Four men from outside the county were arrested last night following a report of an assault.
“Cumbria Police received a call reporting an assault on a man at Hollywood Retail Park, shortly after 8.30pm.
“Officers responded and arrested four men shortly afterwards in the Douglas Street area of Barrow.
“A 37-year-old man from the Bedfordshire area was arrested on suspicion of assault and a public order offence.
“All remain in police custody this morning.
“There were a number of people in the area at the time and officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed anything”
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar