A Euro MP was attacked as he canvassed door-to-door in Keighley.

Richard Corbett, 46, was punched and kicked by an irate pensioner as he and colleagues toured the Beechcliffe area.

He ended up sprawled on the ground with his attacker before managing to escape.

Mr Corbett -- who was elected a Labour Party Euro MP for Yorkshire and Humber two years ago under the new regional system -- suffered scratches and was badly shaken.

Police were called following the incident -- in Carleton Street -- last Friday afternoon.

Mr Corbett -- accompanied by some Keighley Labour councillors -- was canvassing householders on how they would vote in a British general election.

He said: "I called at a house and the man was abusive and racist.

"As I walked away he came after me and tried to punch me in the face."

He added: "We both fell to the ground and he struck me in the neck, and was kicking at me.

"We got up and he came after me again. I then ran off. He was hurling abuse.

"You often get some verbal abuse when you are canvassing -- that is par for the course -- but I have never been physically attacked before. It was frightening."

His assailant was questioned at Keighley Police Station, and was given a formal caution.

Mr Corbett opted not to pursue charges.

He added: "He is an elderly gentleman who lost his rag and, although it was frightening at the time, I was not in any real danger. I did not want to take matters any further."