Election posters vandalised ‘virtually every night’

This poster in Hatfield was defaced earlier in the election campaign

Conservative candidate Grant Shapps said his election posters had been stolen or vandalised "virtually every night of this campaign".

Mr Shapps was first elected as MP for Welwyn Hatfield in 2005 and was appointed Secretary of State for Defence in August.

He posted on X to say "Welwyn Hatfield's democratic process should not be disrupted by opponents using vandalism rather than debate".

Hertfordshire Police said damaging election materials was a criminal offence. A man has been arrested.

Grant Shapps said the "democratic process should not be disrupted by vandalism rather than debate"

Police said the theft or damage was reported on Hertford Road in Hatfield between 19 and 23 June.

A 29-year-old man from Hatfield was arrested on Thursday in connection with the incidents, before being released on bail.

Supt Chris Hay, from Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "I would like to remind members of the public that removing or causing damage to legitimate election publicity materials is a criminal offence.

"While these offences occurred in Hatfield, we take all reports of theft or damage seriously wherever they occur in the county."

You can see a full list of the candidates standing in Welwyn Hatfield here.