POLITICAL group leaders in Colchester have urged colleagues to be vigilant after an attack on Conservative election campaigner Carla Hales.

Conservative Darius Laws said: “I am going to be asking all our candidates to be mindful about being on their own, that is a key thing, and to make sure someone knows where they are when they are out and about.”

He added: “I have been doing this for about a decade in Colchester.             

“You generally find people who disapprove are still polite.

"Occasionally I’ve had leaflets torn up in front of me. I rarely get a door slammed in my face. To hear of this – it is disgusting.”

Mrs Hales was punched and sworn at while campaigning alone in Bourne Road, Colchester, on Wednesday afternoon.

Police are investigating.

Tim Young, Colchester Labour leader, said: “We cannot let thuggery triumph over democracy.

“We have said to all our candidates, don’t go out individually, go out in a group because if things happen, you have to try to protect yourselves.”

Mark Cory, the Liberal Democrat council leader, said: “I was very saddened to hear from Darius when he contacted me.

“It is a real shame. People are trying to stand up for their communities and volunteer and don’t deserve that kind of abuse.

"Not all politicians are bad. I hope that everyone else is safe.

“I explained to my group this happened and told them to be careful."

Gerard Oxford, Highwoods Independent Group leader, said: “No candidate should be exposed to this type of behaviour. Disgraceful.”

Mark Goacher, who is standing as a Green party candidate, said in a Facebook statement: “Disgusting. Wishing her a full and speedy recovery. We all do this to help the community, regardless of political colour.”