MP in hospital after attack by dog on canvass

Mr Benton, 77, who has been MP for Bootle, Merseyside, since 1990, is awaiting surgery after the attack yesterday and will miss the count overnight.

It is understood part of his finger was bitten off and he sustained a head injury when he fell to the ground.

A Labour spokesman said last night: "Labour candidate Joe Benton is being treated in hospital after being bitten by a dog on the campaign trail in Bootle yesterday morning."

Mr Benton was expected to hold the Bootle seat, one of the safest in the country, after winning the 2005 vote with a majority of more than 16,000.