Beware of the dog: Liberal Democrat councillor Matthew Bedford is the latest in a growing line of political campaigners to receive a nasty nip to the finger.

The Three Rivers District Councillor is currently prowling the count floor at the Colosseum with a hefty looking bandage on his left hand – index finger by the look of things.

The Watford Observer learns that the attack took place in Carpenders Park on Tuesday as he posted leaflets through a letter box.

“I’ve no idea what kind of dog it was,” said Councillor Bedford, taking his misfortune in good humour, “I didn’t want to knock on the door and find out.”

Dangerous beasts, dogs. Councillor Bedford is, we believe, the fifth campaigner to get bitten in the last year or so.

Other notable victims include Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and Labour activist Steve Cox.