James Goddard, one of the leading members of the so-called ‘Yellow Vests’ protesters, has been released on bail in connection with a Conservative MP being abused six days ago.

The 29-year-old man from Anstey, Leicester, was detained by police outside St James’ Park underground station in London on Saturday as demonstrators arrived for a rally.

His supporters, marching in London to demand Britain leaves the European Union, claimed he was due to hand himself in at a police station in the capital. It is understood he has been arrested in connection with abuse the Conservative MP Anna Soubry received on Monday outside the House of Commons.

A statement by the Metropolitan Police said: "A man in his 30s who was arrested outside St James's Park Tube station today on suspicion of a public order offence has been released on bail until early February."

Mr Goddard had declared today a day of action with protests planned in a number of cities around the country.