A Ramblers’ Association vice-president has been arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a woman.

Police bailed Janet Street-Porter after questioning her when she voluntarily went to a north London police station.

A spokesman said: “On 16 January, a 59-year-old woman attended a north London police station by appointment and was arrested in connection with an alleged racially aggravated public-order offence.

“She was later bailed to return in February pending further inquiries.”

Ms Street-Porter was president of the Ramblers’ Association between 1994 and 1997 and is now a vice-president, an honorary title accorded to those who have served as president. She has a long career in the media, including a stint as head of youth and entertainment features at BBC2. She was appointed editor of the Independent on Sunday in 1999 and editor-at-large in 2002.

Her law firm Harbottle & Lewis said: “She [Ms Street-Porter] has completely denied the allegation and expects to be fully vindicated in due course.”