Volunteer assaulted while putting up Conservative campaign posters

A Tory activist has been assaulted while putting up posters for a parliamentary candidate.

MP hopeful Leila Williams, who is standing for Conservatives in East Worthing and Shoreham, has called for action against “fear and intimidation in politics” after the attack.

The volunteer, a male councillor from Sompting, suffered a head injury while putting up General Election campaign posters and was taken to hospital.

It happened in Upper Brighton Road, Worthing, on Saturday evening.

Ms Williams has decided to stop volunteers putting posters up following the incident.

A 63-year-old man was later arrested for affray, criminal damage and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Ms Williams said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the attack on one of the team helping with my campaign.

“It is shocking that anyone would resort to physical violence in this context. My thoughts are with our councillor who was hurt and I send him best wishes for a speedy recovery.

“We have now sadly taken the decision to instruct my supporters not to display any posters for fear they may also experience violence or intimidation as a result of their support of me.

Leila Williams, Conservative parliamentary candidate for East Worthing and Shoreham, has stopped volunteers putting up campaign material following the assault (Image: Leila Williams)

“Fear and intimidation should have no place in the politics of East Worthing and Shoreham and indeed across the country.

“I call on all my fellow candidates to join me in committing to stamp out this kind of behaviour – the electorate in East Worthing and Shoreham, and our democracy, deserve nothing less.”

Sussex Police said they were called to a report of an assault in Upper Brighton Road at around 5pm on Saturday.

A force spokesman said: “A man from Sompting reported being threatened by another man before being assaulted and suffering a head injury.

“He was taken to hospital for assessment and treatment and has since been discharged.

“Following enquiries, a 63-year-old man from Sompting was arrested on suspicion of affray, criminal damage and assault causing actual bodily harm.

“He has been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

“Witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial 1030 of 29/06.”