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The deputy mayor of a Berkshire council who was shot in the arm with a crossbow says his son's turban saved his life.
Councillor Joginder Bal, of Slough Borough Council, was injured outside his home in Northampton Avenue.
He said the attacker told him "you are dead" and aimed at his heart before Mr Bal blocked the bow with his arm.
Mr Bal, who believes the attack on 23 November was political, removed the dart and used his son's turban to stop the bleeding.
"There was a lot of blood coming out," he added. "I was worried the bow was poisoned so pulled it out which made the blood worse.
I think it is to shut my mouth because I believe in democracy and freedom of speech Deputy mayor Joginder Bal.
"My son used his turban to stop the bleeding - if I had kept bleeding I would have died." He said the assailant got into a dark-coloured car where another man was waiting. He describes them both as Asian and in their late 20s.
Mr Bal has been discharged from hospital where he received about 15 stitches for the arm injury. He believes the attack is linked to his position in the council. "I think it is to shut my mouth because I believe in democracy and freedom of speech."
He said he had "total faith" in the police investigation and was pleased with they way they had reassured the community. Officers have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.