Local election candidate punched

A candidate has been punched while out leafleting ahead of the local council elections.

Conservative Carla Hales was attacked while in Colchester’s New Town & Christ Church ward on Wednesday.

Mrs Hales said she suffered “sore ribs and a slightly bruised ego” in the attack on Bourne Road.

She said she planned to take a couple of days off campaigning to recover but would then continue working as normal.

Essex Police has confirmed it is investigating.

‘Three quick punches’

Mrs Hales said she had been taking pictures for social media when a man approached her and punched her three times in the stomach before running off.

“I had some of my leaflets and was hoping to get some selfies and that sort of thing, I didn’t really hear anyone approach because I had my head in my phone,” she said.

“A man came up behind me and gave me three quick punches in my side and then said some things I can’t say.”

Mrs Hales added she was slightly sore but otherwise fine.

‘Ugly side of politics’

Conservative group leader Darius Laws said he was saddened and appalled by the attack.

“This is the ugly side of politics and it is an attack not just on a Conservative but an attack on democracy,” he said.

“It is an attack on everyone who seeks to put their name forward to stand up for their community, such violence and intimidation is utterly deplorable.”

Other candidates in the New Town & Christ Church Ward are Bob Brannan (Green), Nick Cope (Liberal Democrat) and Elisa Vasquez-Walters (Labour).