A TORY candidate has criticised Labour activists after protests broke out at Westhoughton Market ahead of Boris Johnson's planned visit today.

Conservative Party officials cited "security concerns" as the reason behind the Prime Minister's cancelled stop-off at lunchtime.

Police were called to the market, which was placed on lockdown, after an "alleged assault".

Chris Green, who is the Conservative candidate for Bolton West and Atherton, has hit out at Labour protestors, describing their behaviour as "repugnant".

In a video on Twitter, he said: "Some activists are trying to hammer down the door to the market.

"This is absolutely repugnant behaviour from Labour activists.

"People have businesses to run here and they have ruined their market day today."

Traders in the market told the Bolton News that protestors tried to force their way inside, but Labour activists said they were there for a peaceful protest.