Man released after arrest over Lib Dem councillor attack

A man arrested after a councillor reported being assaulted while out leafleting in Edinburgh has been released without charge.

Councillor Kevin Lang had said he was "very shaken up" after being confronted by a man who he said grabbed him by the throat and hurled abuse at him.

The incident was said to have happened at about 11:10 on Sunday.

Police arrested a 65-year-old man however later said he had been released and that inquiries were now complete.

Mr Lang, who leads Edinburgh council's Liberal Democrat group, alleged that the man "put his hand up to my throat and he then pushed the leaflet down the top of my shirt".

Mr Lang later said he was very grateful to police who responded so quickly to the incident.

He said: "I've been touched by the many messages of sympathy and support, not just from other Liberal Democrats but from councillors and parliamentarians in all the other major political parties.

"For my part, I am determined to get on with the job people have elected me to do.

"I love being a councillor so I'll be back out in my ward throughout this week serving my constituents."