BBC cameraman hospitalised after apparent altercation outside Jeremy Corbyn’s home
The Department of Transport (DfT) is investigating reports of an incident yesterday in which BBC cameraman James Webb was hospitalised after an altercation outside Jeremy Corbyn's home.
Footage of the incident emerged this morning. Originally it was claimed that a Corbyn aide had caused the cameraman to fall, however the person has since been identified as Corbyn's driver.
Picture of BBC cameraman James Webb in neck-brace on stretcher in hospital overnight after hurt outside Corbyn home pic.twitter.com/saSSg0DhFE
— Michael Crick (@MichaelLCrick) September 16, 2015
A DfT spokesperson said: ‘We are investigating media reports of an incident yesterday involving a Government Car Service vehicle. We are looking at whether the driver was involved and the extent and nature of that involvement.”
WATCH: #Corbyn not having great luck with cameras at the moment. pic.twitter.com/fK5iysQVJM
— Darren McCaffrey (@darrenmccaffrey) September 15, 2015
BBC cameraman in hospital last night with neck and face injuries after Corbyn aide allegedly assaulted him as Corbyn left his home yesterday
— Michael Crick (@MichaelLCrick) September 16, 2015
Cameraman in alleged incident outside Corbyn home was seen in hospital wearing neck brace & with bruise to his face
— Michael Crick (@MichaelLCrick) September 16, 2015
The BBC confirmed the incident took place while Webb was filming Corbyn leaving his home yesterday.
"He sustained some injuries for which he's received treatment," a spokesperson said. "The BBC has spoken to the Labour party which has confirmed the incident involved a government driver, not a Labour party member of staff".
The incident involved a member of the Government Car Service, not a Labour party member of staff, the Labour party confirmed to City A.M.
The even has put further pressure on Corbyn over his handling of the media.
So far he has dodged media appearances, including the sudden withdrawal from the Andrew Marr show on Sunday and the Today Programme on Monday morning, and he was filmed saying a Sky journalist was "bothering" him, refusing to answer questions about the formation of his shadow cabinet. He has also refused to be interviewed by a journalist at the Rupert Murdoch-owned Sun newspaper.
Yesterday Corbyn came under criticism for failing to sing the national anthem during the Battle of Britain commemoration, and was later pictured taking two free lunches at the event.
He is due to make his first Prime Minister's Questions appearance today.