A 24-year-old man who was arrested following the circulation of a video on social media purporting to show footballer Oli McBurnie in an altercation with a man in the street has been released on bail.
North Yorkshire Police said the man had been questioned in connection with an assault in Knaresborough on Saturday which left a 21-year-old man with facial injuries.
Footage of the incident, which has been viewed more than a million times, shows a short confrontation and shouting, during which a mobile phone appears to be knocked out of someone’s hand before it is stamped on.
Detectives said they were appealing for witnesses to come forward.
A police spokeswoman said: “Officers are appealing for witnesses after a 21-year-old man was assaulted in Knaresborough at the weekend.
“The incident happened around 8.20pm on High Street in Knaresborough, towards Bond End.
“Detectives investigating this case would like anyone who saw the incident to get in touch.
“It is believed that two cars passed the incident, and there was also a woman pedestrian on the other side of the road who saw what happened.
“Officers are appealing to the driver of those cars and also to the woman to please get in touch.
“In addition, anyone in the area at the time who might have dashcam footage, is asked to contact police.”
He said a 24-year-old man from Knaresborough who was arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Sheffield United who signed 24-year-old Scotland striker McBurnie for £17.5 million in 2019, said the club would help police with their inquiries and continue its own investigation.
The relegated Premier League club said in a statement: “Officials at Sheffield United are aware that police are now involved following the emergence of a video circulating on social media over the weekend and as a club we will do all we can to assist inquiries, as well as continue our own investigation.”
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 12210115038.
