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Stephen Yaxley-Lennon held in Barrow for alleged assault

FORMER English Defence League (EDL) leader Stephen Yaxley-Lennon has again been arrested on suspicion of assault, police revealed today.

The far-right figure, commonly known as Tommy Robinson, was detained by police on Thursday after reports of him attacking a man in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Mr Yaxley-Lennon, who says he acted in self-defence after being spat at, remained in custody yesterday morning.

He was also being questioned on suspicion of a public order offence, along with three other men. 

Footage shared on social media shows Mr Yaxley-Lennon filming himself confronting police officers as they arrive at the scene.

The self-proclaimed journalist made two trips to Barrow to investigate what he said were claims of “a Muslim grooming gang” operating in the town. 

Last month, Cumbria Police said a year-long investigation into “specific allegations of abuse” did not corroborate claims that an organisation of Asian men were conducting abuse and exploitation. 

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

Tensions have risen in the town, with threats made on social media to a number of Asian takeaways and to a local newspaper reporter. 

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