A van driver has "attempted to run over" a Conservative Party supporter in Somerset, a Tory spokesman has said.

The Conservatives say a man in the Yeovil constituency who was trying to stop party placards being stolen from his property "had to avoid the van" on Monday (December 9).

The man was left shaken after the incident in a local village, according to the party, and incumbent Tory MP Marcus Fysh has condemned the alleged actions.

The police have confirmed they attended the scene of a private address in the Yeovil area, and that a man is due to be interviewed by officers.

A spokesman for the Conservative Party said: "In every election the Conservatives have had signs going missing or being defaced but the recent events in the Yeovil constituency have taken a dark turn.

"While trying to stop Marcus Fysh signs being stolen, a Conservative supporter was subject to the terrifying experience of having to avoid a van as it attempted to run him over.

"The incident happened on Monday and the supporter has been shaken by the entire encounter.

"The event has been reported to the police, who received a photograph of the van’s number plate, and they are currently investigating."

Conservative candidate for Yeovil Marcus Fysh
Conservative candidate for Yeovil Marcus Fysh

Somerset Live has asked the police to comment on whether the alleged incident is being treated as politically motivated - but the force has declined to comment.

Speaking about the alleged incident, Marcus Fysh said: “Those trying to stop lawful participation of people volunteering their support in our election process should be ashamed of themselves.

"It must be fear of losing that is driving this dreadful behaviour from our opponents and it seems there may be no level to which they will not stoop.

"I hope the police get to the bottom of this and charge those involved as it has gone to far and it is not what we want in this country.”

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said they attended the scene of a private address on Monday - and added that a man is due to be interviewed by officers.

They said: "We received reports of an incident involving campaign placards being removed or stolen outside a property.

"Police attended the scene.

"A man is due to voluntarily attend a police station for interview."

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