Supporters of the Labour Party and Independents were involved in scuffles on the streets of Blackburn yesterday, Saturday.

Video footage shared extensively on WhatsApp overnight shows Labour Party canvassers and Independents arguing in the heart of the Whalley Range shopping district. 

The incident happened on Victoria Street opposite Manchester Sweet Centre. Both sets of supporters clashed, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Police were called and could be seen speaking to one person who is believed to have made a complaint.

Police said in a statement they had been made aware of footage being shared online and were investigating further.

In the footage, Independent candidate Adnan Hussain is speaking on a traffic island on the middle of the road with about a dozen supporters.

Members of the Labour Party, including councillors walk past the group and Mr Hussain who speaking on a microphone tells them, "We have not come to have trouble with you" and "Walk away you are our people.".

Then he shouts "boycott the Labour Party" several times.

He then urges people to "walk away" several times.

Several Labour Party supporters approach Independent canvassers who are stood next to Mr Hussain and arguments ensue. 

This soon descends into a slanging match and a small scuffle breaks out between several people bringing traffic to a standstill at the busiest junction in the district.

Mr Hussain can be seen attempting to diffuse the situation. There are heated arguments with canvassers and Labour Party councillors get involved. 

In the footage Mr Hussain and Labour Party candidate Kate Hollern can be seen speaking to one another for a moment. Ms Hollern does not get involved and walks away from the scene as do some councillors.

Councillors from the Labour Party could also be seen attempting to usher supporters away whilst others are filmed in heated arguments themselves.

The Independents blamed the Labour Party supporters for inflaming the incident and walking past the rally on purpose and approaching their team. They also spoke out over threats and said theirs was a static rally and people had been urged repeatedly to 'walk away'.

While the Labour Party witnesses said a supporter only got involved after being "sworn at" which inflamed the situation.

In the footage, which cannot be verified, a councillor is also accused of kicking an Independent supporter. 

One witness said: “Both groups were canvassing throughout the day. It was the day before Eid so understandably the district is really busy and people were out and canvassers wanted to make the most of it.

“Everything was OK, and people were happily sharing jokes. 

“I just think things got out of control later when the Labour party people walked past the Independents who were holding a small public rally.”

Others said that Independent supporters had only come out on to the streets once they realised Labour Party teams were there and had shouted at them.

The Independents canvassers are made up of ex-Labour Party and Conservative Party supporters.

Independent candidate Adnan Hussain said he was now "fearful" of going out to campaign.

In a statement he said: “I am horrified by what I and my team were subjected to by the local Labour Party on the streets of Blackburn yesterday (Saturday). 

“We had all come out, as we did the day before, on the eve of Eid, with our wives, sisters, children and parents, to mix with members of our community as they shopped for Eid, and to get our message across to them. 

“I am now left with many of those who accompanied me and my team feeling upset, traumatised and scared to be out in Blackburn alone.”

He added: “We live in a democracy whereby we all have the right to exercise our political views within the boundaries of the law, and we all have the right to chose who we wish to represent us.

“You should never feel afraid of being out on the streets of your local town, and I urge the police and all other relevant authorities to take this matter very seriously.”

Ms Hollern said the "intimidatory behaviour" had to stop and blamed opposition canvassers for inflaming tensions.

She said: "I had planned to canvas in the Bastwell area on Friday, but cancelled it because the Independents were on the streets and I wanted to avoid the bullying and intimidation I have experienced in over the past few months.

"As an MP, there should be no 'no go areas' for me. I have canvassed for 30 years in this town and never experienced anything like this.

"While canvassing on Saturday, I had a very good response from constituents."

She says as the day went on a number of supporters of Independent candidates "began to follow them".

She added:"Eventually, we were blocked in while they stood on the triangle at Victoria Street, and their followers on the pavement.

"My colleagues and I were abused and bullied, and people were sworn at and spat upon. I was repeatedly told to go away and that I didn’t belong there."

She said when she later left she alone in her car on my way home and was verbally attacked again.

She added: "I have reported this incident to the police who will be checking CCTV to try and ascertain a full picture of events. 

"I am grateful to all, especially from our Muslim community, who were appalled by such behaviour and have sent messages of support."

Earlier in the day, people from both sides were out in force one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

The actions were condemned overnight by supporters of both sides.

One political activist said: “It an embarrassment to the town. Everyone is shouting for peace in Gaza and can’t even get on ahead of an election.

“It also happened during the Hajj period and a day before Eid.”

Workers Party candidate Craig Murray's campaign office is based further down the road on Whalley Range and not close to the where the incident took place.

He said "These disgraceful videos have gone viral around the world. Labour and the Hussain campaign have made Blackburn an international laughing stock. Is this how Blackburn people really want the world to see them?”

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Jaime McGovern said: "This is yet another example of the playground politics that Labour engage in across Blackburn. First Kate Hollern refuses to debate due to safety concerns. Now she’s involved in what appears to be a street brawl.

"All when residents want us focused on their issues, giving them a voice. It’s just not good enough and is why Blackburn needs a change.”

A police spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of a video circulating social media, which appears to show a dispute between political party campaigners in Whalley Range district, Blackburn yesterday (Saturday, June 15).

“We're looking into the incident and would ask anyone with information that may help our enquiries to contact us on 101, quoting log 1028 of 15th June.”

The full list of candidates standing in Blackburn is: Kate Hollern, Labour; Jamie McGowan, Conservatives; Adam Waller-Slack, Liberal Democrats; Craig Murray, Workers Party; Adnan Hussain, Independent; Altaf 'Tiger' Patel, Independent; Natasha Shah, Independent; Denise Morgan, Green Party; Tommy Temperley, Reform UK.