A Kirklees councillor was forced to call 999 when he arrived home at midnight to find someone outside his house who he says had threatened him earlier that day.
Councillor Ammar Anwar says he was met with a “barrage of threats and abuse directed at my family” by the person, who he claims is the relative of a political opponent. His wife and children were in the house at the time.
The late-night encounter happened after the same person allegedly called Cllr Anwar up while he was out campaigning in Dewsbury West for the upcoming local elections during the day. He said in this “menacing” phone call the person made a threat so “serious” he reported it to West Yorkshire Police.
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When he returned home that same day at midnight, he says the same person was outside his house and went onto make threats. In a lengthy statement, Cllr Anwar said those who look to “undermine our democratic rights through intimidating tactics” will not succeed.
The statement read: “Yesterday, while campaigning in the local elections in Dewsbury West, I received a menacing phone call from a relative of one of our political opponents. The threat was serious, prompting me to provide a statement to the West Yorkshire Police late the same day.
“Upon returning home close to midnight, I found the perpetrator waiting outside my house where my mother, wife and children were present. Upon entering the house, I immediately dialed 999 for emergency assistance. The police promptly responded and moved to make an arrest, despite facing a barrage of threats and abuse directed at my family.
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“In the United Kingdom, we cherish freedom of speech and the right to participate in local and national politics, values that must always be safeguarded. Personally, I harbour no ill will towards anyone; my political stance involves challenging the status quo and opposing those who seek to undermine out democratic rights through intimidating tactics.
“These individuals will not succeed. Out commitment remains unwavering. It is crucial to empower our youth and equip them with the necessary tools to become the next generation our politicians for the betterment of society.
“Despite last night being the most disheartening event I have witnessed in my over 20-year political career, I refuse to let these bullies emerge victorious.
“On May 2nd, we will persist in our quest for autonomy and strive to make history in Dewsbury West.”
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