Two Darlington councillors investigated after ‘wrestling’ in parish meeting

Exchange of insults between David Darling and Colin Pease, both in their 70s, led to scratches, bleeding and broken spectacles

The agenda for the Middleton St George parish council meeting was quite dull: village show costs, condition of footpaths and a quote for a flagpole inspection.

But the meeting itself was more lively, with two councillors exchanging insults before a wrestling match" that led to scratches, bleeding, a bruised finger and the destruction of spectacles said to be worth 325.