Scots MP hit with a brick thrown by biker yobs
Thugs attack 61-year-old after he challenges pair over anti-social behaviour in his constituency
A LABOUR MP has turned to the public to help identify two thugs after being struck in the face in a brick attack.
Steve McCabe, who is from Port Glasgow in Inverclyde, was injured when two bikers hurled a stone and a brick at him after he challenged their anti-social behaviour in his Birmingham Selly Oak constituency.
The 61-year-old posted an appeal for information on Twitter, showing two individuals wearing full-face helmets and riding motorbikes, after the incident in Greenford Road.
Describing the incident, McCabe said: “I was out with a few Labour volunteers to do a spot of doorknocking and a couple of characters came down the road and started doing wheelies.
“I shouted at them to pack it in. One of them got off the bike and chucked a stone at me and other one chucked something at the side of my head.
“It could have been an awful lot worse – I regard myself in that respect as fortunate.”
Numerous complaints have been made about the “menace” of anti-social behaviour by bikers in the area, McCabe added.
Describing his attackers, the MP said: “These are really quite nasty, violent thugs.
“Somebody clearly knows who they are – the problem is that people are terrified of these thugs.
“It is a big issue in south Birmingham, they are terrorising neighbourhoods but I don’t think there is a direct connection in that they knew who I was. I think that’s just the way they treat anybody who dares to challenge their behaviour.”
West Midlands Police have confirmed officers are also appealing for witnesses after the incident that took place at about 6.30pm on Monday.
McCabe, who said his face was painful, very sore and swollen, wrote on Twitter: “Sure somebody recognises these two.
“All I need are names and addresses. Send them to me anonymously and I’ll do the rest with the police.”
McCabe received messages of sympathy from colleagues across the parliamentary spectrum following the incident.
Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner said: “That’s shocking Steve. That really could have been a lot worse. I really hope the police find the culprit.”
Jo Swinson, deputy Liberal Democrat leader, tweeted: “Horrific. Hope they catch them asap. TLC, hope you feel better soon.”
Tory MP Tom Tugendhat tweeted: “I’m so sorry to hear that. I wish you a speedy recovery and that the police catch these thugs.”