LABOUR activists campaigning in the Batley & Spen by-election have been pelted with eggs and kicked in the head, the region’s mayor says.

Newly elected West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said she was leafleting with colleagues and volunteers in the Whitaker Street area of Batley on Sunday when they were “followed, verbally abused and physically assaulted by a group of young men.”

Ms Brabin, who was the Labour MP for the constituency before winning the metro mayor job in May, said: “The group I was with included young people and the elderly. I witnessed them being egged, pushed, forced to the ground and kicked in the head.”

West Yorkshire Police confirmed on Sunday evening that they are investigating.

Ms Brabin said: “We know why tensions are rising in our streets. Those who want to sow division are not welcome in our community. The actions of these people do not represent the Batley & Spen I know. We are kinder than this.”

Stand Up To Racism held a rally in the town on Saturday following reports that far-right fraudster Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as “Tommy Robinson,” planned to visit in support of For Britain Movement candidate Anne Marie Waters.

Mr Yaxley-Lennon failed to turn up and the anti-racist campaigners claimed victory.

Tensions have been rising in the constituency as the far right looks to capitalise on the publicity surrounding Thursday’s vote. 

The constituency has been in Labour hands since 1997, but polls suggest the Tories have a chance of taking the seat.

Coming hot on the heels of Labour’s shock defeat in the Hartlepool by-election last month, the party’s left has warned a further setback could mean curtains for Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Parliamentary reporter @TrinderMatt