NO action will be taken against a man accused of a “politically motivated assault” against a LibDem politician, Police Scotland has said.
The force was called to South Queensferry on the morning of Sunday August 7 after senior councillor Kevin Lang claimed he had been assaulted.
Lang, the leader of the LibDem group on Edinburgh Council, wrote on Twitter: “I’ve been doing politics a long time so I’m used to shouty, angry people but today is the first time I’ve ever been physically assaulted.
“Was simply out delivering my councillor newsletter when a man came out of his house, grabbed me by the throat and stuffed the newsletter down my shirt, using all kinds of profanity as he did so. I’ve obvs [obviously] reported to the police.
“No matter what divides us, this kind of intimidation and abuse of people you disagree with has no place in a free and democratic society.”
Lang's social media post was shared by Scottish LibDem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, who claimed the incident had been a “politically motivated assault by an SNP supporter”.
Cole-Hamilton added: “The guy in question can now explain his particular brand of civic and joyous nationalism to @PoliceScotland.”
At around 6pm on Sunday, a police spokesperson said that a 65-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident.
On Monday, it was confirmed that he had been released without charge and that no further action would be taken.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of an assault on a man in the Dundas Avenue area of South Queensferry which happened around 11.10am on Sunday, 7 August.
“A 65-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident. He has since been released and inquiries are now complete.”
Lang said he was very grateful to the police who responded 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.”
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