“Friends of Andrew Mitchell” have kicked into action, briefing Tim Shipman of the Mail that his  rant was not “overheard by the public. It was a few muttered comments”. They/he also denies the use of the word “pleb” but “not getting into the rest of it”. The damage is done though.

Friends of Mitch also remind us that he is a 'former shadow police minister'. Perilously close to: 'Some of my best mates are coppers'

— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound) September 21, 2012

Where he said: “We need more respect and more police on the streets.”

UPDATE:

The Sun stands by its story on Andrew Mitchell today in full. Downing St police did report to superiors that he called them "f***ing plebs".

— Sun Politics (@SunPolitics) September 21, 2012