Lewis Hughes

Former estate agent Lewis Hughes, 23, has been charged with common assault against chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty.

Prof Whitty was “manhandled” at the weekend as he strolled through a London park.

Hughes, from Romford, East London, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 30 July.

A Metropolitan Police statement said:

“At approximately 7.20pm on Sunday 27 June officers in St James’s Park became aware of a man being accosted by a group of men.

“They spoke to the victim and checked his welfare.

“He had not suffered any injuries.

“Officers subsequently reviewed video footage which emerged after the incident and the matter was referred to the Public Order Crime Team.

“Inquiries continue.”