Clarkson quizzed over gang ordeal

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/7130860.stm

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Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been interviewed by police after he was accused of being abusive towards a teenager who was harassing him.

Mr Clarkson explained in his Sunday Times column how he was pestered by youths outside Xscape sports centre in Milton Keynes, on 23 November.

The gang then followed him as he walked off so he lifted one youth by his top.

Mr Clarkson was questioned at his Oxfordshire home. Police said if there had been an offence he was the victim.

Mr Clarkson, who lives in Chipping Norton, had been visiting Xscape with his youngest daughter who was celebrating her birthday.

Girl's complaint

The gang followed him after he asked them to leave him alone.

In his column, he said he grabbed the ringleader by his hoodie and lifted him off the ground.

He admitted he was worried about being prosecuted for assault and he put the boy down again.

A 14-year-old girl later contacted Thames Valley Police to inform them a man had been abusive to her friend.

Police spoke to witnesses at the centre who said the girl had been part of a group warned away by security staff earlier that day.

Mr Clarkson said neither wished to make a complaint nor provide a statement.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "Mobile phone images were viewed, as well as CCTV footage, and it became apparent that, if any offence had occurred, it was the man who was the victim.

"There is no evidence that a crime took place and therefore there will be no police action."