Fashion house Dior has suspended its chief designer John Galliano after he was arrested for allegedly making anti-Jewish comments.

Dior's chief executive Sidney Toledano, who is Jewish, said Mr Galliano would be relieved of his responsibilities until after the results of an investigation into the incident.

The British designer was detained by police in Paris’ Marais district last night, following “minor violence” involving a couple eating at a café.

Mr Galliano, who police said had been drinking “quite heavily” before the disturbance, reportedly made an antisemitic comment, swore and attacked the couple.

The 50-year-old, who has just been named the designer of supermodel Kate Moss’ wedding dress, was released soon after pending charges.

Mr Toledano, who was born in Casablanca and whose father was expelled from Vichy France during the Second World War, said: "Dior affirms with the utmost conviction its policy of zero tolerance towards any antisemitic or racist words or behaviour.”