AN election candidate was taken to hospital after being injured in a street disturbance in the early hours of today.

The Liberal Democrats’ local election candidate for the City ward, Tariq Mahmood, was treated in Bradford Royal Infirmary for minor injuries after the incident in Gladstone Street, Bradford Moor, at around 1am.

Mr Mahmood was reportedly punched in the face and hand after confronting a group of men distributing anonymous leaflets.

Mr Mahmood declined to speak to the Telegraph & Argus today, saying his English was not very good.

But fellow candidate, Riaz Ahmed, who is standing for the Lib Dems in Bradford Moor, said he, Mr Mahmood and a third candidate had gone out to investigate reports of a group of men posting anti-Lib Dem leaflets through doors.

He said they found a group of around five men, one of whom was wearing a mask, and challenged them about the leaflets.

He said: “[Tariq] was punched in his eye and on his mouth and when one of them threw a punch it landed on his fingers, which are badly bruised.”

Mr Ahmed said his group called the police and the men made off towards Barkerend Road.

He said it was the fourth election in recent years where there had been trouble in the area.

“I hope the police take this incident seriously,” he said. “We don’t want it happening again.”

The Telegraph & Argus has seen one of the leaflets, which do not bear the details of the printer or promoter - known as an imprint - required under election rules.

However, outgoing Independent councillor for Bradford Moor, Faisal Khan, said a different version of events was being reported in the area, in relation to how the disturbance unfolded.

A police spokesman said: “We were called to a report of a disturbance at 12.55am, but the incident had passed when officers attended.

“Officers were approached by a male while at the scene but no complaints were made about an assault.”

Polling took place across the district today, with results in the police and crime commissioner and local elections due tomorrow.

Counts are being held in Odsal and Keighley tomorrow. Visit www.telegraphandargus.co.uk for the results as they are announced.