Call for Tories to disown candidate after Prescott visit fracas

A LABOUR Parliamentary candidate has called on Tory party bosses to disown a local Tory election hopeful who was arrested after scuffles broke out at a John Prescott campaign visit. Jim Fitzpatrick, who is standing for Poplar and Limehouse, described th

A LABOUR Parliamentary candidate has called on Tory party bosses to disown a local Tory election hopeful who was arrested after scuffles broke out at a John Prescott campaign visit.

Jim Fitzpatrick, who is standing for Poplar and Limehouse, described the incident as "outrageous". He was campaigning in Chrisp Street market with the former Deputy Prime Minister when three men wearing masks suddenly appeared.

Scuffles broke out as the hecklers tried, unsuccessfully, to get close to Mr Prescott. They were believed to be members of Tower Hamlets Conservatives. One was identified as Martin Coxall, another as Paul Ingham, who are both standing in East India and Lansbury ward.

One woman, believed to be Labour council candidate Crissy Townsend, 61, was punched in the stomach. Another female party supporter, 46, was pushed to the ground.

Fitzpatrick's opponent, Tory Tim Archer has admitted that the incident was "regrettable".

He added: "This was not an organised protest and I am not particularly pleased to hear that two of our candidates were involved."

Police said one man had been arrested and was being questioned on suspicion of assault.