POLICE were called after an animal rights protester was allegedly punched while demonstrating outside a circus.

Denise Friend told how she was with a group of between 10 and 20 protesters at Zippos Circus on Hove seafront on Saturday night when she was attacked.

The altercation happened at about 5.30pm just before the evening show of the circus, which finishes its run in Hove tonight.

Ms Friend told The Argus: "This group of people hung around at the fence hassling us. They were making really unpleasant comments.

"I noticed a woman with two or three other men out of the corner of my eye. She got into this young person’s face and I intervened.

"She started pushing me around and I walked away from her.

"Then she punched me and was pulling at my clothes. I was really fearful of the possibility of it escalating into this massive fight."

Ms Friend called the police and officers arrested a woman.

Martin Burton, the founder of Zippos Circus, told The Argus the alleged attacker was with her children.

He said: "Zippos Circus were aware of the planned protest and asked police to attend to keep the peace.

"The police did not attend at the circus’s request but did attend when called by the protesters."

Mr Burton added: "None of Zippos Circus staff interacted in any way with any of the protesters. They are all forbidden to do so.

"The incidents did not take place within the circus compound, but outside, and did not involve any staff member of Zippos Circus."

Mr Burton, who began his circus career as a clown in Brighton 40 years ago, said that for transparency animals are stabled at the front of the circus for all to see.

He added: "Zippos Circus has done nothing illegal and has a great record for animal husbandry.

"We operate with the full permission of Brighton and Hove City Council to whom we pay rent for the use of Hove Lawns.

"All our animals were inspected by council officers before the circus opened."

No performances were affected by the protest.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "There was an altercation [outside] Zippos Circus in Hove.

"A female was arrested on suspicion of assault and enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 1109 of 3/9."

UPDATE: September 5, 2.38pm - The Argus can confirm the alleged assailant is not a member of Zippos staff or in any way connected with the circus.