EU referendum: Elderly man 'punched in the face for handing out Remain leaflets'

Police have arrested a 52-year-old man in relation to the incident

The children's mother has been arrested on child endangerment charges (Getty)

A 78-year-old man has been punched in the face while handing out Remain leaflets, it has been alleged.

The man was reportedly giving out the leaflets on a busy high street in Carlisle when he became involved in an altercation with another man, 52, about the upcoming EU referendum.

He was struck in the face and suffered minor injuries in the alleged attack.

The incident took place outside House of Fraser on English Street, Carlisle.

In a statement, Cumbria Police said they have arrested a man in connection with the alleged assault.

They have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information which could assist their inquiries to contact them.

With less than 48 hours to go until the UK goes to the polls to vote on continued membership of the European Union, both camps are entering the final phase of campaigning.

Latest polls suggest the slimmest of leads for the Remain campaign, with a mere one point lead.

Previous polls have indicated that the Leave campaign claimed majority support. However, one in 10 voters have said they are undecided and as polling day looms previously undecided people are now more inclined to say they are voting Remain.

Campaigning was suspended last week following the murder of Labour MP and pro-EU campaigner Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed in her West Yorkshire constituency.