I’ve been writing about Brian Coleman for almost seven years.

In that time I’ve reported on his rants, his rudeness to the public and reporters, and his work to defend Israel.

I’ve also heard, but not reported, plenty of more salacious incidents from his past.

But never, ever, did I imagine this could happen.

I’ve heard eye-witness reports of yesterday’s alleged incident in North Finchley. If the details are true, then Mr Coleman could be in big trouble.

But, in the interests of fairness, we should also remember he hasn’t been charged with any offence. This case is a long, long way from coming to court, and even further from seeing Mr Coleman convicted of anything.

Indeed, there may be a fair argument that what happened outside the café was a case of six of one, half a dozen of the other. It now falls to the police to unravel the facts from fiction.

Nonetheless, for a man who is a senior councillor, former mayor and ex-assembly member to be arrested in such a fashion and questioned by police represents a serious problem for both him and Barnet Conservative party.

It is hard to see for how much longer Brian Coleman can continue to retain any credibility as a politician.

Then again, he is a man accustomed to controversy. I doubt we have heard the last of him yet.