A fight broke out at a Shropshire town council meeting, leaving a 67-year-old councillor needing hospital treatment.Councillor Tony Pound suffered grazing to his head, a swollen jaw and bruising and swelling to his neck in the fracas at a Ludlow Town Council meeting last night.

He was treated for his injuries in the accident and emergency department of Hereford Hospital.

The scuffle broke out at the end of a meeting of Ludlow Town Council’s markets, amenities and cemeteries committee and involved Councillor Pound and town clerk Paul Russell.

Councillor Pound today said he and town council officer Roy Guestford exchanged angry words before the fight broke out.

He said: “I had just had a go with Roy Guestford. Paul Russell was standing next to me.

“I saw his fist come towards me and I put my arm up to protect myself. His fist clattered into the side of my face, between my ear and my neck.

“Then he went for me. He was on top of me. I was under him trying to get away. I haven’t slept. I’m very shook up and very tired.”

It is understood Mr Russell, pictured below, disputes Councillor Pound’s version of events and says no punches were thrown. He is believed to be seeking professional advice following the matter. He was not available to talk to the Shropshire Star today despite repeated efforts by the newspaper.

Seven people were present in Ludlow Town Council’s chamber when the incident happened.

Those who witnessed the row were town council officers Mr Guestford and Hannah Coleman and Councillors Jim Newbold, Mickey Bradley and town mayor Mrs Marie Glaze.

Sergeant Simon Rees, of Ludlow Police, said today: “An allegation of assault has been made and we will be launching an inquiry very shortly.

“We’ll interview all of those who were present as part of our inquiry.”

The fracas lasted several minutes. The five witnesses tried to separate the pair. Councillor Mrs Glaze told Mr Russell he was being instantly dismissed although it is thought the mayor does not have the power to make such decisions.

She said: “It was a shocking incident. I have never seen anything of this nature before.

“It was very frightening and I was shaken up by it.

“I told Mr Russell he was fired. I’m going to pursue the matter with the district’s monitoring officer.”

Councillor Pound was taken to Ludlow Hospital and then to Tenbury Hospital.

An ambulance transferred him to Hereford’s accident and emergency department and he was discharged at about 2am.

Councillor Graeme Kidd, who attended the meeting, said: “I was not present when the incident occurred.

“However, it was a very nasty and brutish meeting, that was chaired by Councillor Pound.”