Italian election: SHOCK video appears to show far-right candidate 'BEATEN by leftie mob'

Mr Ursino, a provincial candidate for the city of Palermo in the next Italian election, was taken to the A&E department of the Hospital of Palermo and was reported to have multiple bruises to his face and a deep cut to his head.

The assault followed a series of verbal attacks between the party and the Anti-Racism Forum of Palermo, a group of 17 local social organisations.

On Tuesday, the Anti-Racism Forum of Palermo sent a letter to the City Hall asking to call off a Forza Nuova campaign rally scheduled for Saturday, accusing the right-wing party of Neo Fascist propaganda, a crime in Italy.

The shocking video of the assault, filmed by what is believed to be a woman, shows the attackers wearing black clothes and black scarves to cover their faces.

The far-right party, founded by Roberto Fiore and Massimo Morsello, is a member of the Alliance for Peace and Freedom and was a part of the Social Alternative party from 2003 and 2006.

The party has often been criticised for its radical positions and for acts of violence involving some of its militants.

The video was sent to the local online newspaper Palermo Today in an email stating it would be the proof neo-fascist organisations were no longer welcome in Sicily.

The email claimed that as Mr Ursini could not defend himself from the attackers it would not be able to rule the city after the next general election.

Party leader Roberto Fiore is in the run as Italy’s next Prime Minister in the upcoming Italian election on March 4. Writing on his Facebook page after the attack, Mr Fiori condemned the attackers of “cowardice” claiming it was impossible for Mr Ursini to defend himself against “ten or so people”.

The State Police of Palermo announced that an investigation to find the attackers has been launched and suspects had been taken into custody after some incriminating objects were found in their properties.

A Police spokesman said: “In relation to the aggression perpetrated by unknown persons against the provincial secretary of the Forza Nuova movement, the State Police of Palermo is carrying out an investigation.

“Last night, the Digos [special police unit] has carried out numerous searches, in particular to a student accommodation of the city of Palermo and in some houses connected to groups of the left-wing “antagonism”.

“The results of the searches made it possible to find and acquire objects of investigative interest. “Some people have been taken to the Police Headquarters and their positions are now being examined by the investigators.”