A ROW between rival political candidates descended into violence and nasty threats with police called in to investigate.

The Tory ward surgery, which usually involves members of the public popping in to chat about community issues, instead turned into a battleground with foul language and even claims a candidate was spreading his “mental health problems” to others.

Last week tensions increased between Tory and Labour councillors due to fight for the St Laurence Ward with a series of claims and counter claims.

On Saturday a special surgery was booked for the old airport building, Eastwoodbury Crescent hosted by Tory councillors Mark Flewitt, cabinet member for public protection, and Steve Buckley.

Nemesis Daniel Cowan, a Labour party candidate, turned up claiming to be there representing residents but was ordered to leave - which is when he began recording proceedings.

In the exchange, which lasts about six minutes, the men can be heard trading allegations of lying and insults.

Daniel Cowan says: “I’m here representing residents’ views.”

Mr Flewitt tells him he is representing no one at which point Mr Buckley said: “You have troubles. You have mental health problems.

“You have a lot of problems and you’re giving them to other people.”

The three of them then get into an argument about issues the previous month before Mr Flewitt claims: “You tried to take your own life. You’ve declared that on the papers.”

Mr Cowan then asked whether that made him a freak to which Mr Flewitt responded: “No. We think you’re a freak. You’re a liar, you’re awful and your behaviour is diabolical.”

He also repeatedly swore at his rival before both called on Essex Police to investigate.

Mr Cowan, speaking to the Echo, said: “I think this boils down to political rivalry. I am active in the area – the councillors seem to have a problem with being challenged.

"I’m not adverse to a bit of robust language but I wouldn’t expect someone elected to treat a member of the public in that way.”

Mr Flewitt, responding to the Echo, said he regrets his choice of words but insists reporting the incident to the police was appropriate because he felt his safety was in danger.

He said: “I was angry that our ward duties were being disrupted by an uninvited third party.

"Am I sorry? Yes - sorry that the invited surgery was disrupted and sorry that I got so angry.”

In regards to Daniel Cowan's complaint, a spokesman for Essex Police said: “We received a call regarding an incident where a man reported he had been verbally abused.

"The victim reported he had attended an address where he was approached by three men. He reported the men pushed him and verbally abused him. Our enquiries are ongoing.”

In regards to Mark Flewitt's complaint, a police spokesman said: "We were called by a man reporting someone was harassing him in Eastwoodbury Crescent at around 11.20am on Saturday, February 16.

"It was also report the man had been verbally abusive.

"Our enquiries are ongoing.

"If you have any information about the incident please contact us on 101 quoting incident 444 of February 16 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Anyone with information call Essex Police on 101, reference number 42/25632/19.

A council spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of a disagreement between councillors and a prospective council candidate at a recent surgery in the St Lawrence ward.

"However, we have not received any formal complaint”