A Labour MP has claimed he was attacked and called a "traitor" about delays to Brexit while out talking to his constituents.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle told Sky News that a man lunged for his face and grabbed his glasses after they engaged in a "heated discussion".

The Brighton Kemptown MP said the news crew he was travelling with were approached by the "irate" man and accused of being part of a media conspiracy to stop Brexit.

When Mr Russell-Moyle introduced himself as the local MP, the man called him a "traitor" and said he was trying to stop the will of the people.

The argument soon turned physical and three men had to prise the alleged assailant from the MP.


Mr Russell-Moyle later wrote in a tweet: "This is not normal, I'm representing my constituents but @theresa_may has whipped up fear and division with her speech last night."

He tried to assault me, grabbed & bent my glasses and for a moment I thought he was going to hit me. 3 grown men had to prise him off me. This is not normal, I’m representing my constituents but @theresa_may has whipped up fear and division with her speech last night — Lloyd Russell-Moyle (@lloyd_rm) March 21, 2019

In a speech at 10 Downing Street, Mrs May said she was on the public's side against MPs who have "done everything possible to avoid making a choice".

Ex-universities minister Sam Gyimah said it was "toxic" to "resort to the blame game", while Labour MP Lisa Nandy called the prime minister's comments "dangerous and reckless".

Former Tory MP Anna Soubry, who left to join The Independent Group last month, said she did not feel safe enough to return to her home constituency this weekend.

Image: Anna Soubry said she has had 'very, very serious death threats'

Speaking outside the Cabinet Office, she said she was "facing very, very serious death threats, especially when people know your home address".

"When a senior police officer tells your partner that if it was his wife in the situation that I am in he would say 'I am frightened for her safety', I think that tells you everything," she said.

Mr Russell-Moyle said he has had attack-proof glass and panic alarms installed at his house, and police are keeping tabs on local MPs.

Image: Theresa May gave an address at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday night

He said it has got to a stage where "things are getting very tense".

He added that he has been leafleting on the streets for two years and has never had any problems before.