Oisin Tymon, the Top Gear producer who was punched by Jeremy Clarkson, has spoken out for the first time since the fracas.

Mr Tymon said that he respected the BBC’s decision not to renew Clarkson’s contract, but added that the presenter was a “unique talent” and that he understood many Top Gear fans will be sad to see him go.

Here is the statement from Oisin Tymon in full:

“I respect Lord Hall’s detailed findings and I am grateful to the BBC for their thorough and swift investigation into this very regrettable incident, against a background of intense media interest and speculation.

“I’ve worked on Top Gear for almost a decade, a programme I love.

The current Top Gear line-up (BBC)
Clarkson presented Top Gear with Richard Hammond and James May (BBC)

“Over that time Jeremy and I had a positive and successful working relationship, making some landmark projects together. He is a unique talent and I am well aware that many will be sorry his involvement in the show should end in this way.”

Statement from his lawyer Paul Daniels in full:

“This last month has been a nightmare for Oisin, his friends and his family. Through absolutely no fault of his own he found himself at the centre of a massive news story, but despite that he has conducted himself with dignity, restraint and balance.

Suspended BBC Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Clarkson (Philip Toscano/PA)

“He now simply wishes to return to the job he loves at the BBC. He does not intend to make any further media comment and kindly asks that his privacy is respected.

“More generally, this is an important reminder that UK law protects all staff who face bullying, discrimination or violence at work, and all employers are required to protect their staff from such behaviour.”