Jeremy Clarkson defends attack victim Oisin Tymon as doubt hangs over Top Gear

Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken former presenter of hit car show Top Gear, has defended the co-worker he attacked in a fracas that led to his sacking by the BBC. 

To read initial story of what happened click here.

Clarkson's contract was not renewed after an internal BBC

investigation found he physically attacked a Top Gear producer, Oisin Tymon, after a lengthy verbal tirade.

Clarkson, 54, has yet to comment on the decision, but paused to defend Tymon when stopped by reporters outside his London home.

"All I would like to say is ... I wish people would leave Ois alone because none of this was his fault," Clarkson said as he passed reporters on his bicycle.

PHOTO: The old Top Gear team ... Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May (BBC)

Clarkson flagged the incident to the BBC after Tymon took himself to hospital following the outburst, which reportedly occurred because Clarkson was annoyed at a lack of hot food.

Police said no-one who was present at the hotel in Yorkshire in northern England had reported the attack, but that investigators had spoken to several witnesses.

"We have a duty to investigate where we believe an offence might have been committed, and that is what we have been doing with this case," the North Yorkshire Police said.

"We have made contact with Mr Tymon through his lawyers to ask him to speak to us so we can ascertain how he wishes to pursue this matter."

Reports suggested co-stars James May and Richard Hammond might also leave the show.

Their contracts are due to end at the end of March.

Hammond called it the "end of an era", while May said he was considering his position.

British media have reported the trio met in secret since Clarkson's sacking, while May and Hammond earlier declared they "come as a package".But BBC director-general Tony Hall indicated he wanted the show to continue.

Clarkson challenged viewers critical of the program to go ahead and make their own in his final column for the Top Gear magazine published on Thursday.

"Generally speaking, the new series of Top Gear seems to have been rather popular. However on Top Gear's website, there's a smattering of people who aren't impressed at all," Clarkson wrote.

"If you want the sort of show you like, why not make it yourself?"

AFP