Sir Philip Green has been charged with assault in the US after his Pilates teacher told police she had been groped by the billionaire.

Prosecutors in Arizona today announced that the Topshop tycoon would be charged with four misdemeanour assault counts over allegations made by 37-year-old Katie Surridge.

It comes after the Telegraph revealed in February how the fitness instructor had accused Sir Philip of repeatedly fondling her bottom and making sexual comments despite being warned to stop.

At the time she was working at Canyon Ranch, a luxury resort in Tucson, Arizona, where Sir Philip has owned a home for around a decade.

US police launched an investigation into her claims in February. Detectives interviewed witnesses and reviewed formal complaints made by Ms Surridge to her employers about Sir Philip’s behaviour, it is understood.

Pima County Attorney's Office deputy county attorney Lauren Deakin said today: "Philip Green has been formally charged with four misdemeanour assault counts (ARS 13-1203 (A) (3) knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult, or provoke).

"These are class three misdemeanours.”

Each count has a potential sentence of up to 30 days in the Pima County jail, a fine of not more than 500 dollars, and up to one year of probation.