Three arrested over possible ‘hate crime’ on journalist Owen Jones

Three men have been detained over an attack outside a pub on left-wing journalist Owen Jones.

The Guardian columnist had been celebrating his birthday with friends when he was set upon by the gang in the early hours of August 17.

Scotland Yard said detectives were investigating whether the “completely senseless attack” outside the north London pub was a “hate crime”.

It said three men, aged 39, 34 and 29, handed themselves in at a police station.

They were all arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm and remain in custody.

In the aftermath of the attack Mr Jones tweeted: “A group of 3-4 men left the pub, made a beeline for me, kicked me in the back, threw me on the ground, slamming my head, and kicked me in the skull. My friends were punched trying to defend me.”

“Given the far right attacks I’ve had in the streets, and generally escalating far right threats I’ve had, I’m in no doubt as to what this is.”

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