Councillors in Kent were “violently intimidated” and “pelted with eggs” at a meeting by people wearing balaclavas in the public gallery, MPs have been told.

Swale Borough Council were debating making their area a “District of Sanctuary” for asylum seekers in the meeting on Wednesday evening.

Kevin McKenna, the Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, which includes Swale Borough, branded the incident an “attack on democracy itself” as he told the House of Commons of his horror at the “violent scenes”.

Kent Police told the Press Association that they had attended a reported disturbance at the council meeting, and received reports of criminal damage and a common assault.

Mr McKenna said: “I’m horrified to report to you and to the House as a whole that last night in Swale Borough Council

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