Dizzee Rascal has denied assaulting his ex-girlfriend at a residence in south London.

       The grime artist pleaded not guilty to headbutting Cassandra Jones and pushing her to the floor in Streatham on 8 June at a hearing in Croydon.

       The 36-year-old, whose real name is Dylan Mills, is best known for his chart-topping singles Bonkers and Dance Wiv Me.

       His lawyer, Iskander Fernandez, told Croydon Magistrates Court that the rapper “denies pushing his head into the complainant’s head and denies pushing her to the floor”.

       Dizzee Rascal’s manager, who “received a phone call” when the altercation allegedly took place and Ms Jones’s mouther, Dawn Kirk, will give evidence at his trial, the court heard.

       Ms Jones said in a statement on Friday: “Today, my ex-fiance Dylan Mills, pleaded not guilty to a charge of common assault. Dylan is the father to our 2 children.

       “The pain and upset I am experiencing is a private matter and I will do everything I can to protect our children. I ask for privacy to enable our children and I to get through what will be a challenging court process and to move on with our lives in the most positive way we can.”

       Dizzee Rascal was charged with assault by beating on 2 August.

       He has been released on conditional bail ahead of trial.