WEST MIDLANDS — A Green party candidate said he was accosted by campaigners supporting an independent group of candidates in two separate incidents in Birmingham in April. West Midlands police said they had received two reports of alleged harassment on 17 and 24 April on Dudley Road in Birmingham and that inquiries were continuing.

Hanooshi Hassan, the Green party candidate, said the encounters turned hostile from the outset. "There was homophobia immediately." he said.

He described the conduct of those who approached him and other campaigners during the incidents. "They were being very loud and boisterous, calling us the gay party and saying that we want to turn their kids gay." he said. He added that one individual threatened to beat him up during one of the incidents.

Hassan said the incidents occurred on Dudley Road, the same location West Midlands police confirmed as the site of the two reported harassment complaints. Police said inquiries were continuing. Hassan said supporters of the independent group approached him and other Green party campaigners on both occasions.