Man arrested after Scots councillor ‘grabbed by the throat’ in ‘politically-motivated’ attack while leafleting
A MAN has been arrested after a Lib Dem councillor was allegedly 'grabbed by the neck and sworn at' by a voter whilst doing his newsletter round.
Kevin Lang, a senior Edinburgh councillor, said he was left feeling "quite shaken" after the alleged incident on Dundas Street in South Queensferry this morning.
The Almond ward councillor said on social media: "I’ve been doing politics a long time so I’m used to shouty, angry people but today is the first time I’ve ever been physically assaulted.
"Was simply out delivering my councillor newsletter when a man came out of his house, grabbed me by the throat and stuffed the newsletter down my shirt, using all kinds of profanity as he did so.
"No matter what divides us, this kind of intimidation and abuse of people you disagree with has no place in a free and democratic society."
He then confirmed he'd reported it to police.
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Responding to Mr Lang, Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "Completely unacceptable. I’ve spoken with Kevin and this was a politically motivated assault by an SNP supporter.
"The guy in question can now explain his particular brand of civic and joyous nationalism to Police Scotland."
SNP councillor Adam McVey posted a response to Twitter, saying that he hopes police take “strong action” over the incident.
He replied: "So sorry to read this Kevin, I hope you’re ok.
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"Violence will never have a place in our city, our politics & there will always be more that unites decent people, whatever their views, than divides us.
"Hope police take strong action."
Cops have confirmed that a man has been arrested in relation to the alleged incident.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We were made aware of an assault on a man in the Dundas Avenue area of South Queensferry which happened around 11.10am on Sunday, 7 August.
"A 65-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and inquiries are ongoing."
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