POLICE are investigating an alleged assault against a campaigning councillor in Clacton.

The incident happened outside Cann Hall Primary School as Andy Pemberton was on one of his regular parking patrols.

The Peter Bruff ward councillor said parking problems around the school were “ridiculous” but did not expect to be assaulted there.

He said: “I was very shocked.

“I am not a small lad. You do not expect this from parents, but I’m not going to stop my patrols.”

Mr Pemberton has been campaigning against parents parking on zig-zag lanes outside schools.

He has previously suffered abuse from drivers, but has now reported an assault to police, as well as almost being run over.

Mr Pemberton said: “The driver was parked outside Cann Hall School. All I did was tap on his window guttering. I said ‘Mate you are parked on a zig-zag zone.’

“I said I’d take a picture of the van and registration number and forward it to the North Essex Parking Partnership.

“Then he got out of his car. He grabbed hold of me in front of his own kid. He called me a few names and pushed me on to a car and grabbed hold of me.

“I pushed his hand off. I started to walk away and he threw me into the middle of the road.”

“I could have been hit by a car.”

Mr Pemberton added: “You do not expect this from parents.”

He said Friday’s attack was witnessed by several people and followed another incident the day before, when he was almost run over.

After Friday’s incident, Mr Pemberton reported both to the police, who advised him to avoid the area for the time being.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating reports of an assault following an incident in Constable Road, Clacton.

“It happened shortly before 9am on November 11.

“A man was assaulted by another man following a dispute over a white Vauxhall Vivaro van that was parked in the road.”

Enquiries are continuing and witnesses are urged to contact the police on 101.