Councillor followed and abused while on run
BBCA councillor in Staffordshire has said he was left "shocked" when he was followed by two men who repeatedly shouted homophobic abuse at him while he was out jogging.
The incident happened on Tuesday evening and reportedly even saw the men attempt to reverse their blue Skoda at Councillor Joe Porter.
The representative for Brown Edge and Endon was able to get away safely but described the experience as "frightening".
He said: "It's unacceptable this type of behaviour. I'm just trying to carry out my duties as a local councillor and as a normal human being, I should be able to live in peace like anybody else."
Staffordshire Police have since said that officers have been assigned to investigate the incident, and has called on anyone who may have witnessed the abuse to get in touch.
A force spokesperson said: "We have received a report of a hate incident in Endon.
"The victim, a man, was jogging on High View Road and Hillside Avenue when two men in a sports car shouted at him, using homophobic language.
"Officers are investigating and are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone who has relevant dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage."
'It was shocking'
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Porter said: "It's pretty shocking, to be honest and not something you would expect in a village like Endon.
"I was shocked because, as you know from previous interviews, I absolutely love Endon and Brown Edge, I love the Staffordshire Moorlands.
"This is not the sort of behaviour, the sort of incident, you would expect to happen in our beautiful, peaceful area."
He added: "It was shocking, it was scary, it was pretty frightening because I wasn't even on council duties, I was just having a bit of time out to go for a run."
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