One of China’s most senior diplomats has been accused of attacking protesters in clashes that led to an anti-Beijing demonstrator being dragged onto consulate property and beaten.

Alicia Kearns, a Conservative Party MP, told parliament that Zheng Xiyuan, the consul-general took part in violence on Sunday against Hongkonger protesters outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester.

“What we saw was the Chinese consul-general then ripping down posters and peaceful protest,” the newly elected head of the foreign affairs select committee said in the House of Commons.

Video footage of the incident showed staff from the consulate exit out on the road, tear down anti-Beijing posters and scuffle with protesters before dragging one of them into the consulate compound and beating him.

A local police officer then entered the compound to drag the protester back out.

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