Jeremy Clarkson sacked: Ex-Top Gear presenter makes first public appearance since BBC verdict

The presenter verbally and physically attacked a producer

Jeremy Clarkson leaves his home in west London, on a bicycle, as Clarkson's BBC career is over after an internal investigation found he launched an "unprovoked physical and verbal attack" which left one of the colleagues in hospital. PRESS ASSOCIATION Pho (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Former Top Gear presenter and self-confessed enemy to cyclists Jeremy Clarkson has made his first public appearance since he was sacked this afternoon in his signature mocking style, by riding out from his west London home on a bicycle.

The BBC today announced that the Top Gear presenter’s contract will not be renewed, after an investigation by the broadcaster found he had launched an “unprovoked physical and verbal attack” that left Oisin Tymon, one of the show's producers, in hospital.

Tony Hall, the broadcaster’s director general, said: “For me a line has been crossed. There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations.”

Appearing to have given up on cars for the evening, the petrol head presenter left his upmarket home in the capital on a push bike, wearing a black leather coat and a grey beanie hat.

Riding past photographers and TV cameras, he said: "Excuse me gentlemen, thank you."

Jeremy Clarkson leaves his home in west London, on a bicycle. (Image: PA) (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

He once claimed cyclists "deserve" abuse from motorists, MailOnline reported.

Asked by reporters what his reaction was, Clarkson said "I'm off out, sorry" before riding away.

The futures of his co-presenters James May and Richard Hammond hang in the balance, as their contracts also expire at the end of the month.

In a statement released by his agent, May said his role at Top Gear “requires much thought, deliberation and conversation” before he makes a decision about his future.

And Hammond today said on Twitter that he was “gutted at such a sad end to an era” after Jeremy Clarkson's sacking. He added: "We're all three of us idiots in our different ways but it's been an incredible ride together."

Additional reporting by PA