Police have wrestled a man to the ground for allegedly stealing the hat of comedian Eddie Izzard off his head.

Mr Izzard, who has campaigned for Britain to stay in the European Union, was attending a “March for Europe” protest in London today.

As the march reached Whitehall a man dressed in black with a bandana of his face stole Mr Izzard’s trademark pink beret and fled down the street.

Mr Izzard gave chase wearing his high-heel shoes, assisted by members of the public and police officers.

Police wrestled the comedian’s assailant to the ground near the corner of Downing Street.

After recovering the hat Mr Izzard dusted off the pink garment and placed it back on his head before marching to Parliament Square, where a rally was held.

Scotland Yard could not immediately confirm this afternoon whether the man had been arrested or simply restrained.