POLICE have identified a man they were hunting in connection with a series of alleged assaults at the crowded Boris Johnson EU Referendum rally in Winchester.

As previously reported by the Hampshire Chronicle two victims were allegedly attacked when a large number of people gathered in Winchester city centre during the high-profile visit of the senior Tory politician and Leave campaigner last month.

Police had been investigating claims a Leave campaigner punched a man wearing a gorilla costume in the face and shoved a parish councillor off the Buttercross monument.

Cllr John Romero, 64, of Main Road, Otterbourne, reported that he was pushed from the 6ft plinth and police believe the same suspect may have punched the ape, who had been heckling and waving an inflatable banana during Mr Johnson’s speech.

Mr Romero said his legs were kicked while he was stood on the Buttercross causing him to lose his balance and fall. He didn’t suffer any injuries.

The assaults took place between 12.40pm and 1pm during Mr Johnson’s visit on Thursday, May 26, and are believed to have been carried out by the same person.

A young student was also elbowed and punched.

The police have now said they have identified a man they were looking for in connection with the incidents.

No arrests have been made, said a police spokesman.