A Mipim property fair delegate was arrested yesterday after he assaulted a young men protesting outside the event at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London.

The man was queuing at the main entrance to the International Fair for Real Estate Professionals, where hundreds of activists had assembled to protest against property profiteering.

His victim Mark claims he was simply standing outside the centre asking people why they were there.

“A rather aggressive man took exception to this question and punched me in the face,” said the housing activist.

According to Mark “the police response wasn’t immediate,” however the delegate was subsequently arrested for common assault.

Mark and a member of the press who witnessed the assault were taken aside to give their statements while the detained man reportedly looked terrified.

“They think they own the earth and can do as they wish,” Mark added about the real estate professionals at Mipim.

Speaking to the Star, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the man was taken to the Hammersmith & Fulham police station but no charges had yet been placed.

“At least there’s one less property developer in the conference,” said Mark.

Altercations between campaigners and delegates were rare, but the on-going protests did not go unnoticed.

A large man shouted at a mother and activist from Cressingham Gardens: “Get a job!”

The woman who was holding her toddler in her arms, quipped back: “I would if they weren’t taking my home away.”