Local election campaigners attacked

Watch Matthew Hudson's report

There are fears for the safety of people out canvassing for votes, following two separate attacks on local election campaigners in the past few weeks.

Just this week, a Conservative candidate was punched while out in Colchester talking to people on the doorstep.

Carla Hales was punched three times by a man in what police are treating as a politically motivated attack.

In an ugly piece of symmetry, Labour candidate Cathy Cordiner-Achenbach was punched in the stomach in Great Yarmouth earlier this month.

Other parties say they've also suffered verbal abuse - saying there is a heightened sense of tension as they go door-to-door.

Police say they're investigating the two incidents and are warning people on the campaign trail to stay safe.