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A Green Party campaigner who was allegedly assaulted at Bristol Temple Meads station has called for an end to milkshakes being lobbed at people in politics.

Police are investigating after a man reportedly flung Chris Millman, 60, over a bike stand by the station’s rear entrance at about 6.30pm on May 23, the day of the European Elections.

Mr Millman, who had been handing out Green Party leaflets, thinks this may have been a response to incidents of milkshake being hurled at politicians including Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.

He said: “I think that the people who have been throwing milkshakes over right-wing politicians should reflect that it is grass roots volunteers on the left who will face the consequences of the resulting escalation in political violence."

'You're Antifa'

Mr Millman, a Green Party candidate for Hotwells and Harbourside in the 2016 local elections, says a bald or shaven-headed man was responsible for the alleged attack.

“He walked quickly up to me, grabbed the lapels of my jacket and threw me backwards to the ground,” he said.

“As he did so, he said, ‘You’re Antifa.’ There had been no previous interaction between us.”

Antifa is an organisation that seeks to disrupt far-right events. Mr Millman says he has no connection with the group.

One witness told Bristol Live the activist was “sent flying over a bike stand”, though Mr Millman says he is not sure if this happened.

The campaigner added: “When I went down, I thought the boot was going to come in.

“Some passing rail passengers stood up to him, placing themselves between him and me, before he could continue his attack. I am very grateful.

“As if to justify himself, my attacker shouted, ‘He’s a f****** Antifa c***’ and also made reference to milkshakes and acid.

“He also complained that the passers-by were judging him because of his bald head.”

'Basically rugby-tackled'

Mr Millman says the man then walked away but continued to wait outside the station.

“One of the witnesses to the attack offered to monitor his movements until she was sure he had left the scene,” he said.

“I wonder if he is proud of himself for throwing a peaceable 60-year-old to the floor.”

The witness who spoke to Bristol Live feared Mr Millman would have “significant bruising” on his hand after being “basically rugby-tackled”, but the activist says his injury is “not serious”.

Asked if the incident was frightening, Mr Millman said: “It’s certainly unpleasant.

“I have always said, knocking on doors, that the worst thing that can happen is someone might be a bit rude to you.

“I had never felt in any way in danger. I can’t say that anymore.”

'Really concerned'

He added that he is “really concerned” about the recent trend of milkshake-chucking, which he fears could dissuade people from getting into politics.

“When my attacker was talking about milkshakes and acid, I think he was trying to make the point that, when milkshakes are being thrown, someone could be in fear that it is acid,” Mr Millman said.

“I guess that was what he was saying, albeit not in a very coherent way.”

He says the incident will not stop him campaigning, adding: “That would mean he had succeeded.”

Though he was shaken by the alleged attack, he carried on handing out leaflets outside the station and was later visited by Green Party deputy leader Amelia Womak.

The witness said Mr Millman did not retaliate to the reported assault.

"He was calm about the situation,” she said. “He wasn't angry or anything.”

British Transport Police said yesterday: “We received a report at 7.13pm on Thursday (May 23) of an assault within Bristol Temple Meads station.

"A man is reported to have been thrown to the floor. The suspect then left the area.

"No injuries have been reported. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing."

Police have been approached for the latest details on the investigation.