Senior Tory MP arrested over alleged assault on two children

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A leading Conservative MP has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a teenage boy and girl.

Work and pensions spokesman Nigel Waterson - a close friend of party leader David Cameron - spent 13 hours in police custody after being detained at the family home.

Police were called to the property in Beckenham, South East London, at midnight on Sunday after receiving a 999 call alleging that Mr Waterson, 58, had assaulted a boy.

During their inquiries, officers were told of claims that the MP for Eastbourne had allegedly attacked a girl in the past.

It is understood the initial allegation followed an altercation between Mr Waterson and the boy late on Sunday.

The teenager alleged that the MP had assaulted him after they had a heated row.

Police said neither teenager was injured. Mr Waterson's wife Barbara was taken to a separate police station and interviewed as a witness.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "We arrested a 58-year-old man following reports of an alleged assault.

"Both alleged victims are in their early to mid-teens. The allegations are of assault and are not of a sexual nature."

Mr Waterson, a solicitor, was first elected as MP for Eastbourne in 1992. He is also the Conservative spokesman for older people. Yesterday there was no answer at his detached double-fronted home in Beckenham.

The curtains were drawn in the front windows of the modern five-bedroom property with a double garage which is tucked away down a private drive.

Asked about the allegations on Monday, Mr Waterson said: "I have nothing to say about it. No comment." A spokesman for Mr Cameron would not comment.

In his annual report to constituents last year, Mr Waterson highlighted how he had "always campaigned for tougher measures to deter crime and antisocial behaviour".

He wrote: "Recent tragic cases show that we need to address the problems of gun crime, alcohol abuse, lack of discipline in schools and family breakdown."

His arrest comes weeks after the career of Andrew Pelling, Tory MP for Croydon Central, was ruined by allegations of wife-beating. Mr Pelling will not face any charges.