POLITICIANS have united in their condemnation of the assault on Councillor Abdul Matin. The 57-year-old Lib Dem ward member for Weavers in Bethnal Green was attacked at the junction of Vallance Road and Derbyshire Street at 10.40pm on Tuesday night. Conse

POLITICIANS have united in their condemnation of the assault on Councillor Abdul Matin.

The 57-year-old Lib Dem ward member for Weavers in Bethnal Green was attacked at the junction of Vallance Road and Derbyshire Street at 10.40pm on Tuesday night.

Conservative Cllr Tim Archer said: "We wish councillor Matin a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with his family.

"Here is a resident who is beaten senseless on one of our streets and all the council does is say that crime is down 10 per cent. Even one of our councillors is not safe on the streets."

Today Cllr Matin was still being treated at Whitechapel's Royal London Hospital for his head and facial injuries.

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: "This is a shocking incident. Our thoughts are with Cllr Matin and his family, and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery."

Tower Hamlets council has made no comment as yet.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack and are urging anyone with information to contact the violent crime unit on 020 7275 4546 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.