Tory campaigner attacked during campaign event in Shropshire

An election worker for a Conservative parliamentary candidate was reportedly attacked during a campaign tour.

Councillor Garry Burchett was attacked in Ford in Shropshire while going door to door handing out leaflets, Tory candidate Daniel Kawczynski said.

He added that Mr Burchett had been hit several times by a man and suffered black eyes and a suspected broken nose.

West Mercia Police said they were investigating reports of an attack in West View on Thursday morning.

A local resident told BBC Radio Shropshire he heard a commotion and went outside to see the leaflets “rolling around” next to some rubbish bins after the homeowner took “offence” at the leaflets.

He said he heard the man scream, “Why did you throw those through my door?”

Mr Burchett and a tearful volunteer were helped by a neighbour who brought them into the house, he added.

Mr Kawczynski said it was the first time he had not gone door-to-door with his team and he was angry about what had happened.

He said he took his agent to Monkmoor police station to make a statement.

Mr Kawczynski added that he had also been the target of attacks in the past, with his mailbox being doused with petrol and set on fire and his doormat being covered in excrement.

“But that’s exactly what’s happening. That’s what I’m so afraid of,” he said.

“He’s just doing his job: handing out leaflets.”

A spokesman for the Shrewsbury Conservative Association said the case was currently being handled by police and it was therefore not appropriate to comment further, but said the volunteer was “fine, although in some minor pain”.

“I would also like to thank the citizens who came to their aid and remind all volunteers and candidates across the political spectrum to be cautious in the final week of canvassing,” they added.