John Galliano arrested in Paris & suspended from Dior

The fashion designer was arrested for alleged anti-semitism and assault last night

John Galliano was arrested last night for alleged assault and anti-semitism, news agency ATP reported this morning.

The designer was arrested in a bar in Paris, after he reportedly 'verbally accosted a couple seated on a cafe terrace'.

A police source told ATP': 'For the moment we don't know what led him to address the couple.'

Dior has since confirmed that the designer has been suspended from the French fashion house - just days before the Autumn/Winter 2011 show in Paris.

Sidney Toledano, Dior chief executive, released the following statement earlier today:

'Dior affirms with the utmost conviction its policy of zero tolerance towards any antisemitic or racist words or behaviour. Pending the results of the inquiry, Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano from his responsibilities.'

Galliano was arrested in the Marais district last night and taken to a police station where he was tested for sobriety - he was found to be over the legal limit. 

He was then escorted home by police officers and no charges were filed.

The Christian Dior creative director would have been gearing up for Paris Fashion Week, where he was set to showcase new season collections for both his eponymous line and for Dior. A police source claims the designer attributed his behaviour to stress before the big shows.

JOHN GALLIANO SPRING/SUMMER 2011