POLICE are investigating an alleged assault following a dispute between Bradford West MP Naz Shah and Palestine campaigners.

Labour MP Ms Shah had been invited to support a welcoming reception last night for more than 100 cyclists stopping off on their way from Edinburgh to London to raise awareness and money for children in conflict-torn Gaza.

It is understood there was an argument outside St Mary Magdalene's Church in Wood Street, Manningham, which has led to a complaint of an assault being reported to police.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Police have received a report of an assault which is alleged to have occurred in Wood Street, Bradford, at 7.45pm. Inquiries are continuing."

Tonight, Ms Shah told the Telegraph & Argus there had been an “altercation” but it had not involved pushing or hitting.

She said she had not made a complaint to police but said someone “potentially” might have made a complaint to police about her.

She said: “I don’t know what they (police) are investigating. There was an altercation, that’s all I’m going to say.”

The Big Ride, due to arrive in London, this weekend hopes to raise £50,000 for the Middle Eastern Children’s Alliance. Cyclists aged from 15 to 80 have joined in from all over Britain, Ireland and even the US.

Arshad Ali, who organised the Big Ride's reception at the church, said the row had not spoiled Bradford's contribution to the event.

He added: "There are children who die in natural disasters but this really is a man-made disaster, creating suffering on an immense scale."