A UKIP activist and former Blackburn parliamentary election candidate was taken to hospital after an alleged attack by another man.

Bobby Anwar, 33, who stood against Jack Straw in 2010, suffered cuts to his face during the alleged incident in Accrington on Saturday.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested and bailed, police said.A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We can confirm that we are investigating after a 33-year-old man was assaulted on Hope Street in Accrington at around 5pm on Saturday.

“The victim was approached in the street and punched to the face causing a suspected fracture of an eye socket. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

“A 38-year-man from Accrington has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and bailed pending further enquiries.”

In a statement released on Mr Anwar’s behalf, Hyndburn and Haslingden UKIP chairman Paul Thompson said: “Bobby went to hospital with cuts around his eye-socket and had plasters attached. He will have to return and have surgery to insert a plate.”

MORE TOP STORIES: