MP Galloway blames Muslim extremists’ for attack in election battle

MP GEORGE Galloway has been attacked by a group he claims were Muslim extremists while election campaigning in East London in Shadwell’s Watney Market on Saturday. He says he and his Respect party colleagues were abused, then attacked

MP GEORGE Galloway has been attacked by a group he claims were Muslim extremists while election campaigning in East London.

He was with supporters in Shadwell's Watney Market around 3pm on Saturday when he says he and his Respect party colleagues were abused, then attacked by the group.

"They called me a filthy Kaffir," said Galloway. "They shouted that no-one should shake the 'filthy Kaffir's hand.'

"They hate me because I encourage Muslims to vote and take a full part in our society."

The MP's assistant, Kevin Ovenden, had his mobile phone smashed in the incident while out campaigning in the Poplar & Limehouse constituency for the May 6 General Election. Other supporters were alleged to have been abused and jostled.

Three men, believed to belong to an extreme sect, were arrested and subsequently charged with public order offences, according to Galloway's office.