Arrest made after councillor tells of 'threat'

Councillor Anwar said the incident was "the most disheartening event" he'd witnessed in his political career

A man has been arrested after a West Yorkshire councillor claimed he was threatened with a "menacing" phone call while out campaigning.

Ammar Anwar, who represents the Dewsbury West ward on Kirklees Council, said he had then found someone "waiting" outside his house on Friday night.

Writing on X, Mr Anwar said it was "the most disheartening event I have witnessed in my 20-year political career".

West Yorkshire Police said a Dewsbury man had been detained on suspicion of public order offences.

In a lengthy post on social media, Mr Anwar described the threat made in the call as "serious" and said he promptly reported the matter to the police and provided a statement.

He added on returning to his family home, where his wife, children and mother were present, he found the suspected caller "waiting outside".

He added: "Upon entering the house, I immediately dialled 999 for emergency assistance.

"The police promptly responded and moved to make an arrest, despite a barrage of threats and abuse directed at my family.

"In the United Kingdom, we cherish freedom of speech and the right to participate in local and national politics must always be safeguarded."

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Kirklees Police were contacted on Friday afternoon by a man who reported being the victim of threatening calls and behaviour in the Dewsbury area.

"Following enquiries police have now arrested a Dewsbury man on suspicion of public order offences. Enquiries remain ongoing."

Mr Anwar previously served as a Labour councillor, but quit the party in January in protest against the leadership's stance on the Gaza conflict.

He has since served as an independent councillor.

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