There was drama at the Middlesbrough and Thornaby East count when a razor blade fell out of a candidate’s hat.

The blade was spotted at Mark Baxtrem’s feet and police were alerted to the situation.

Initially the candidate put the blade back inside his cap but the officers told him they would need to seize it.

Police officers speaking to Independent candidate Mark Baxtrem after a razor blade fell out of his cap at the Middlesbrough and Thornaby East election count.Police officers speaking to Independent candidate Mark Baxtrem after a razor blade fell out of his cap at the Middlesbrough and Thornaby East election count. (Image: Newsquest)

They discreetly pulled the Independent candidate to one side where he told officers that he was a farmer and carried a blade for his work.

The razor blade which fell out of Mark Baxtrem's cap at the election countThe razor blade which fell out of Mark Baxtrem's cap at the election count (Image: Newsquest)

The officers seized the razor blade and let the candidate re-enter the counting hall.

Mr Baxtrem said: “I declared that the blade was mine. I carry it to look after the callouses on my feet from walking the streets campaigning.

“If I don’t scrape the skin off it leaved my feet bleeding.”