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George Galloway: 39-year-old charged with religiously-aggravated assault

MP was released from hospital after suffering a suspected broken jaw and rib

Heather Saul
Sunday 31 August 2014 12:37 BST
George Galloway on his way to hospital after being attacked in London
George Galloway on his way to hospital after being attacked in London (Respect)

A man has been charged with religiously-aggravated assault after George Galloway was attacked in West London.

The Respect MP for Bradford West was released from hospital on Saturday after suffering a suspected broken jaw and rib.

A man allegedly punched him after shouting about the Holocaust as he posed for pictures with members of the public in Golborne Road, Notting Hill, his spokesperson said.

Mr Galloway was taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, for treatment on Friday and stayed in hospital overnight. His party tweeted a photo of his bruises which was taken as he travelled to hospital.

The Metropolitan Police said Neil Masterson, 39, of Camden Hill, has been charged with assault by beating which is religiously aggravated on a male in his 60s.

He was also charged with common assault on a male in his 40s, who is understood to have come to Mr Galloway’s aid.

He will appear at Hammersmith Magistrates Court on Monday 1 September.

Mr Galloway was interviewed by police under caution earlier in August after he said Bradford had been "declared an Israel-free zone".

The controversial MP was pelted with a rubber stress ball in 2008 as he travelled through London in an open top bus for a campaign. He received medical treatment but did not require hospital treatment.

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