THE case against a 24-year-old Darwen man who was alleged to have attacked a BNP councillor has been dropped by police because of a lack of evidence.

The man, who has not been named, was arrested after an incident in Bolton Road in July.

Mill Hill councillor Robin Evans told police an Asian man attempted to goad him into a fight outside the Dixie Fried Chicken takeaway shop.

Extra safety measures, which included a panic button being installed at his home, were put in place by police to protect Coun Evans as a result of the incident.

Today police said that after the man was arrested, he was interviewed under caution and a file was sent to the Crown Prosecution, who decided against bringing the case to court.

Coun Evans, who won a a seat in the Mill Hill ward in a by-election in November and who lives in Darwen, said he was disappointed by the outcome of the investigation.

The incident came before Coun Evans was targeted last month, when vandals threw a brick at his Ford Mondeo and smashed the front windscreen.

Police said there was no evidence to link the two incidents and no arrests have been made for the car attack.

Coun Evans added: "I know people may not agree with my views or my politics but I never expected to be hassled in the street."

Council bosses were forced into taking action to protect Coun Evans after his narrow win over Labour stalwart Gail Barton in the November by-election, which was brought about by LibDem Edmund Critchley's retirement.

All of his post is opened by council officers after concerns were expressed that he could be targeted by vigilantes who were upset at his election.

A police spokesman said: "The allegation was investigated fully. A male was interviewed under caution and, on advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, the case has been discontinued. No further action will be taken on this matter."