George Galloway Attack: Man Charged With 'Religiously Aggravated' Assault

Man Charged With "Religiously Aggravated" Attack On George Galloway
|

A 39-year-old man has been charged with a religiously aggravated assault on controversial MP George Galloway who was left battered and bruised in an alleged street attack.

The pro-Palestine politician suffered a suspected broken jaw and rib as well as facial injuries following an incident in Golborne Road, Notting Hill, London, on Friday evening.

He was allegedly attacked by a man wholeapt at him and punched him after "shouting about the Holocaust", Galloway's spokesman said.

Open Image Modal

Galloway: Respect tweeted a photo of his bruises

Mr Galloway, who represents Bradford West for the Respect Party, was interviewed earlier this month by West Yorkshire Police, following a speech in Leeds in which he claimed Bradford was "an Israel-free zone."

A man was arrested by police shortly after the attack and questioned by detectives overnight.

The Metropolitan Police said Neil Masterson, 39, of Camden Hill, London, will appear before Hammersmith Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The force said he was charged with "assault by beating which is religiously aggravated on a male in his 60s and also common assault on a male in his 40s".

It was understood the second charge related to a member of the public who stepped in.

Galloway had been posing for pictures with people in Golborne Road, Notting Hill, London before the attack.

He was treated overnight at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington and released on Saturday morning.