A Ukip candidate claims he was "stabbed in the face" in an attack that left him with a broken cheekbone and eye socket.

Bobby Anwar, who is running for a seat on Hyndburn Borough Council in Lancashire, wrote about the incident on Saturday on Facebook.

Posting a picture of his bloodied face and shirt, the 33-year-old said he had been in hospital for surgery including the insertion of a metal plate.

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He believes the attack stemmed from his affiliation with Ukip and claims his assailants were Labour supporters.

A Ukip spokesman said: “The injuries to Bobby Anwar are shocking and any violent attack is a horrifying occurrence. The police investigation into this one must be allowed to take its course.”

Mr Anwar, of Accrington, previously ran in the 2010 General Election for Ukip in Blackburn.

He has three children and is the nephew of actress Mina Anwar, who has appeared in television dramas including The Bill and Happy Valley.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said they were investigating reports of an assault at around 5pm on Saturday.

She added: "The victim was approached in the street and punched to the face causing a suspected fracture of an eye socket. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

"Police enquiries are ongoing and a 38-year-old man from Accrington has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and bailed pending further enquiries."