A SENIOR UKIP politician was arrested in connection with an assault at the party’s election launch event in Hampshire.

Tony Hooke, the deputy leader of the party at Hampshire County Council, was arrested after scuffles between members of the party and protesters.

The meeting at Portsmouth’s Guildhall on April 28 had been attended by party leader Nigel Farage and launched UKIP’s European campaign ahead of the elections on May 22.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “A 52-year-old man from Yateley has been arrested in connection with an assault.”