Charlie Gilmour, a 2nd year student at Girton College, was arrested at his Sussex home on charges of attempted criminal damage and violent disorder, and has since been granted bail.

His arrest came just days after photographs appeared in the national press of Gilmour dangling from the Union flag at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall. Further images emerged over the weekend associating Gilmour with the mob that attacked the car of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

A Metropolitan police spokesman said: "On the morning of Sunday 12th December, a 21 year old man was arrested at his home address in Sussex. He was arrested by officers from Operation Malone on suspicion of violent disorder, and attempted criminal damage of the Union flag on the Cenotaph on 9 December."

The statement concluded: "He was taken to a Sussex police station where he has been further arrested on suspicion of theft."

In a public apology issued on Friday, the 2nd year historian claimed that at the time he did not realise he was climbing the Cenotaph monument, and sought to dismiss his actions as 'a moment of idiocy'.

The University's position has changed as the circumstances have come to light. After previously saying that the incident was a matter for civil authorities, made clear that no decision had yet been taken with regards to Gilmour’s actions, and that they were considering their options.

In a statement yesterday, the University said that since "Mr Gilmour's actions on Thursday are under investigation by police it is inappropriate for the University or Girton College to comment further at this stage. The College will review its position when the outcome of these investigations is known".

Gilmour has since been released on bail until June, pending further police inquiries.