Bury St Edmunds MP David Ruffley has broken his silence on the incident earlier this year in which he received a police caution for common assault.

In a statement, issued through his solicitors, Mr Ruffley said: “In March this year an incident occurred between me and my former partner resulting in inappropriate action on my part which I deeply regret, in respect of which I accepted a police caution for common assault.

“The incident was dealt with by the police and I accepted responsibility for my actions at the time.

“Some time later I telephoned my former partner to apologise. I am pleased to be able to say that she has accepted my apology and we both consider the matter closed.

“I have refrained from making any public statement on this matter as it is a deeply personal matter. It is my understanding that my former partner wishes the incident to remain private.

“I regret this matter in its entirety and the position in which I put my former partner and I now ask that her privacy be respected.

“I wish to stress that I would never condone domestic violence under any circumstances.”