Tory election candidate Matt Vickers claims he was physically assaulted while out canvassing in Labour-held Stockton South
- Candidate Matt Vickers was in Ingleby Barwick when alleged assault took place
- Candidate for Stockton South said member of public shouted then grabbed him
- The incident at the address was reported to police, who are investigating
Matt Vickers claims he was physically assaulted while out canvassing for support
A Conservative Party parliamentary candidate claims he was physically assaulted while out canvassing for support.
Matt Vickers, the candidate for Stockton South, was in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, when the alleged assault took place.
Mr Vickers, pictured, was with supporters at an address when a member of the public began to ‘scream and shout’ before grabbing Mr Vickers. The incident was reported to police, who are investigating.
Mr Vickers said: ‘We have had everything thrown at us really. We have had all sorts of verbal abuse but the majority of people are delighted to see you’re out knocking on doors.
‘I was out knocking on someone’s door, when someone who is clearly a supporter of another party came out, and it ended up being a physical assault.’
Stockton South is held by Labour after Dr Paul Williams unseated Tory MP James Wharton in 2017.
Stockton South is held by Labour after Dr Paul Williams unseated Tory MP James Wharton (pictured) in 2017
Stockton South voted leave in the 2016 EU referendum by 58 per cent to 42 per cent.
Mr Vickers added: ‘I’m disappointed I’ve had to report such an incident and am sure that the police will deal properly with it.
‘I totally condemn this type of behaviour and will not let it deter me as we approach the final strait of the election campaign.
‘I will be on the doorsteps, fighting on to get my message out to the people of Stockton South.’