Candidate halts campaign after son is 'beaten up'

Wajad Burkey, the Workers Party of Britain candidate for Sutton Coldfield, said his son was attacked while canvassing

A Workers Party of Britain candidate said he was "fearful for his life" after his son was attacked while canvassing for him.

Wajad Burkey, the party’s general election candidate for Sutton Coldfield, said his son had a head injury after being "beaten up" and was being treated in hospital. He has suspended his campaign.

West Midlands Police said a man was attacked by a group with a baseball bat on Beaconsfield Road in Sutton Coldfield on Sunday.

“I have suspended my campaign as I am fearful frankly for my life,” Mr Burkey said in a statement issued by the party.

Mr Burkey said the attack happened at about 19:20 BST while his son was distributing leaflets for his campaign along with two other people.

A group of about eight people arrived on motorbikes and cars before attacking a victim with a baseball bat, West Midlands Police said.

A knife was also produced during the attack, the force added.

The victim was left with an injury on the back of his head and went to hospital for treatment.

“I'm stunned to report that our candidate in Sutton Coldfield has had to suspend his campaigning after his canvassers were attacked,” George Galloway, founder and leader of the Workers Party of Britain, posted on X on Monday evening.

A full list of candidates standing in the Sutton Coldfield constituency is available on the BBC website.