A man canvassing for the Green Party during the European elections has been assaulted outside Bristol Temple Meads.

The victim was handing out leaflets at the railway station yesterday (May 23) when he was thrown to the floor in an unprovoked attack.

British Transport Police has confirmed it is investigating the assault, which was witnessed by several passersby.

One eyewitness, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the man was "peacefully handing out flyers and smiling" before he was assaulted.

"I was approaching the station and saw an older gentlemen handing out leaflets for the Green Party," she said.

"This other guy then went over and basically rugby tackled him and sent him flying over a bike stand.

"A few of us intervened and made sure he was OK.

"His hand was bleeding and it looks like he'll have very significant bruising."

The eyewitness went on to say that the attacker remained near the station's entrance and was "ranting about milkshakes and acid".

"He was clearly very angry and upset," she said.

(Image: Jon Kent)

"It's distressing to see this type of thing happening, especially in Bristol."

She added that the victim of the assault did not retaliate and carried out handing out leaflets shortly afterwards.

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

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Police statement

Police have confirmed that enquiries into the assault remain ongoing.

"We received a report at 7.13pm on Thursday (May 23) of an assault within Bristol Temple Meads station," a police spokesman said.

"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."