Georgian politicians come to blows during live TV debate

The country goes to the polls on 8 October

A fight erupted live on television between two politicians in Georgia, as tensions grew over upcoming elections in the country.

The belligerents, Vepkhia Gurgenishvili from the Democratic Movement and Polad Khalikov from the Industrial political bloc, had to be separated by staff at the Qvemo Kartli TV station.

A heated panel discussion between the pair on a talk show led to Mr Gurgenishvili calling Mr Khalikov "scum", who responded by throwing a pen.

Mr Gurgenishvili then stood and, despite other panelists trying to call him off, walked towards Mr Khalikov and threw several blows.

As the men fought, TV producers were forced to separate them.

While instances of politicians resorting to physical violence are practically unheard of in the UK, it is less unusual in other places.

In May – prior to the attempted coup which rattled the country – Turkish politicians staged a mass brawl during talks over changes to the constitution.

Footage showed party members diving over tables to trade blows with their counterparts.

Several MPs left the meeting with “cuts to the lip and eyebrow,” according to local reports.