The ex-Work and Pensions Secretary claimed he was targeted by “morons” around the annual party get-together in Manchester
Video Unavailable
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith has been assaulted outside the Conservative conference.
The ex-Work and Pensions Secretary claimed he was targeted by “morons” around the annual party get-together in Manchester.
It is understood he was walking with his wife Betsy when the incident unfolded – and Sir Iain was overheard saying he was ready to confront “four incoherent morons” with a traffic cone.
It is understood Sir Iain was allegedly hit on the head with the traffic cone before he picked it up.
“There was just an incident,” he later told reporters.
“It wasn’t frightening at all. I’m just glad I didn’t do what I was about to do.
“They were just morons.”
(
Image:
Getty Images)
Beginning an eight-minute speech to the Centre for Brexit Policy think tank, he told Leave-supporters: “I can honestly say I almost wasn’t here because I was assaulted by a bunch of people outside.”
(
Image:
Getty Images)
Sir Iain, 67, briefly left the room just before he was due to speak.
But he quickly returned, saying he had gone outside to discuss the incident with police.
He was later seen talking with an officer and he was today expected to give Greater Manchester Police a statement.
The Brexit event took place at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly hotel, which is outside the heavily protected conference secure zone.
Conservative activists attending the conference have had to walk past scores of noisy, angry demonstrators, many of them shouting “Tory scum!”
Dozens of police stood outside the secure zone monitoring protesters and protecting MPs and delegates attending the Manchester Central Convention Centre.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Police responded to an incident on Portland Street following reports of an assault at around 4pm today (Monday, October 4).
“Officers were on the scene within minutes.
“There aren’t believed to be any serious injuries, and following a short foot pursuit four men and one woman have been arrested in connection with it, and remain in custody for questioning.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
Read More
Read More
Discussion about this post