Man arrested over Commons 'scuffle'

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Guests of an official passholder at a reception in the House of Commons began scuffling, left the event and continued their argument, but were stopped in the corridor by a police officer.

One of the men was aggressive and the officer used CS spray, a Met spokesman said.

The man was arrested and was in custody at a central London police station. A police officer was slightly injured.

It is understood that the incident happened in the corridor behind the Speaker's Chair, just yards from the Commons Chamber where MPs were debating Africa.

The people involved in the altercation had attended a reception hosted by Conservative Party chairman Eric Pickles but were not linked to the party, a Tory source said.

It is understood party officials were escorting guests without Westminster security passes, who are not allowed to roam restricted areas of the Palace, to and from exits to the building during the reception.

Those involved in the incident are believed to have slipped away and managed to get into the area behind the Speaker's Chair where the police became involved.

Sources said that parliamentary sittings were not disrupted.