Three men arrested over pub assault on lefty columnist Owen Jones
THREE men have been arrested after leftie columnist Owen Jones was allegedly attacked outside a London pub. The Guardian writer claims he was celebrating his birthday with friends when a gang made a “direct beeline” for him in the early hours of Saturday August 17. Jones, 35, said he was left with a “bloodied back” […]
THREE men have been arrested after leftie columnist Owen Jones was allegedly attacked outside a London pub.
The Guardian writer claims he was celebrating his birthday with friends when a gang made a “direct beeline” for him in the early hours of Saturday August 17.
Jones, 35, said he was left with a “bloodied back” and a bump on his head after the incident outside the Lexington pub on Pentonville Road, Islington.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Three men aged 39, 34 and 29 were arrested today, Thursday, 29 August, after they attended a north London police station.
“All three were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
“All three remain in custody.”
The outspoken Labour activist tweeted last week: “This is a bit dramatic, so firstly I’m fine, but last night – when I was celebrating my birthday I was attacked, along with my friends.
“Six of us left the pub at 3am and were saying our goodbyes 30 metres away, then a group of 3-4 men left the pub, made a beeline for me, kicked me in the back, threw me on the ground, slamming my head, and kicked me in the skull. My friends were punched trying to defend me.
“The group then scarpered: I don’t know if they said anything in the melee. I’m fine other than a big bump on my head and a cut back.
“Given the far right attacks I’ve had in the streets, and generally escalating far right threats I’ve had, I’m in no doubt as to what this is.”
He went on the and said new evidence has emerged to suggest “political motivations” but cannot discuss it at the moment.
Owen said: “I’ve had evidence since, which I can’t discuss… which suggests political motivations.”
In an interview with the Independent he later told how his pals stuck up for him.
“We were just chatting outside, just saying goodbye, then three, four guys came out and made a direct beeline for me,” he said.
“They kicked me in the back, kicked my head, then my friends got punched for trying to defend me.”
The Metropolitan Police has said it was now working to establish the “full circumstances” of the incident.
A spokesman for the force confirmed it had spoken to witnesses and would now review CCTV footage from the scene.
He added: “He was attacked by up to four males who also assaulted his friends when they attempted to intervene.
“None of those injured required hospital treatment or London Ambulance Service.”
The Lexington’s general manager, Chris Smith, said he had looked back at the venue’s CCTV and thought it was “possible” the suspects were caught on film, reports the BBC.
He said his staff were “all upset” that Mr Jones had been targeted and would “do everything” to aid the police investigation.
Mr Jones’ tweets prompted plenty of support from public figures and journalists.
“Shocking to hear about this attack on you & your friends,” said Dianne Abbott, the shadow home secretary, on Twitter.
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“The times we live in are increasingly dark and dangerous. You have all my love & support. Solidarity.”
While comedian Frankie Boyle wrote: “That’s awful Owen, hope you’re OK.”
Mr Jones said the incident was the latest in a series of attacks since he was verbally abused by protesters on College Green in Westminster earlier this year.
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