Conservative MP reported to police for 'abusing' Labour campaigners

Conservative MP Matthew Offord has been reported to police for allegedly hurling abuse and making explicit gestures at passing Labour campaigners.

Mr Offord is accused of half climbing out of his constituency window in Hendon, north London, to gesture at a decommissioned fire engine carrying Labour politician Andrew Dismore and retired fire officer Steve James.

The vehicle had been decorated with campaign posters for then London mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan.

When Mr James went to the Conservative MP's office to complain about the "unpleasant" behaviour, he and another campaigner were reportedly told that Mr Offord was not in and were asked to leave.

"When the police went upstairs, he said he was gesturing for us to go away, but I know the difference between profanity and telling someone to just go away," Mr James said.

Mr Offord, who has represented Hendon since 2010, is reportedly being investigated for breaching the Public Order Act 1986.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: "Police attended Bunns Lane, NW7, at around 1530 on Thursday May 5 following an allegation that a public order offence had been committed. No arrests have been made. Inquiries are ongoing."

Mr Offord could not be reached for comment.