A Conservative politician said he suffered a “shocking” attack while out campaigning in South Gloucestershire.
Brian Hopkinson, 70, was canvassing in Stoke Lodge, near Bristol, when he was pushed violently against a wall and strangled by a man who did not want his election material.
Mr Hopkinson said he delivered the leaflet and was walking away from the house when a man came out of it waving the leaflet “aggressively”.
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He said: "I offered to take it back if he didn't want it.
“Next thing I knew he rushed towards me, pushing me against the wall and wrapping his hand around my throat, digging his fingers right in.
"I managed to break free and back off away from the property, at which point he shouted at me, threatening to kill me."
Mr Hopkinson, who has served as a South Gloucestershire councillor for 14 years, said the experience had left him “really shaken”.
He has also reported the incident to the police.
Avon and Somerset police have confirmed a man out delivering leaflets was assaulted in the Patchway area on April 24, and that inquiries are ongoing.
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Mr Hopkinson is standing for the Conservatives in the Charlton and Cribbs Ward of South Gloucestershire Council.
But he was in Stoke Lodge delivering leaflets on behalf of his partner Sarah Pomfret.
Mr Hopkins said that although the experience had left him shaken, it would not stop him from campaigning.
He added: “I will still be out delivering leaflets and speaking to people on their doorsteps.
“All I want to do is help make a positive difference to residents, it is a shame that the political climate in our country at the moment could lead to hostility.”
South Gloucestershire residents will head to the polls on Thursday (May 2) to vote for both the district, and town and parish council elections.
To see a list of all the candidates click here.
