Tommy Robinson is released on bail after being arrested for 'punching man to the ground' at Asian sex gang protest

• The ex-English Defence League leader was arrested on June 4 on suspicion of assault
• Video footage allegedly shows Robinson punching a man who he claims spat in his face
• Police released Robinson and three other men and are appealing for information

Tommy Robinson has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of assault.

The former English Defence League leader, aged 37, was arrested by police following a report of an assault on a man at Hollywood Retail Park in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria around 8.30pm on June 4.

While in custody Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was also questioned 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.

Footage shared on social media shows Robinson recording himself telling police that he 'acted in self-defence' after someone spat in his face when they arrive at the house he was staying at.

On Saturday, Cumbria Police said that all four people arrested had been released on bail and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Robinson, from Luton, has made two trips to Barrow within the last fortnight and says he is working as a journalist to investigate claims of what he terms may be 'a Muslim grooming gang' operating in the town.

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.'

The force added: '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 what happened or the moments immediately before or after.'

Last month, Detective Chief Superintendent Dean Holden, of Cumbria Police, said a year-long investigation into 'specific allegations of abuse' did not corroborate claims a group of Asian men in Barrow were conducting abuse and exploitation against individuals.

He also said that police had not 'ignored or dismissed' the claims and that they had been investigated toroughly.

The statement was issued after allegations of serious sexual abuse and physical violence against a teenage girl, including graphic images of injuries, were shared widely on social media.

Following the 12-month investigation, a 19-year-old woman was charged with several counts of perverting the course of justice.