Ryde Mayor Bill Pickering has been released from hospital after he was allegedly punched in the face by an independent candidate at a North Sydney polling booth during a by-election for Ryde City Council.

Police are investigating the incident in which the 52-year-old mayor was allegedly assaulted while handing out ham sandwiches and talking to locals at the polling booth at a school in Putney.

Eyewitnesses said he was punched in the face by independent candidate Vic Tagg who is a former mayor of Ryde.

• Trio killed in Alps avalanche
• ‘Monster shouldn’t have been in our community’
• Toddler run over by L-plater

After the punch, Mr Pickering fell to the ground and suffered a seizure.

Emergency services were called and he was taken to hospital unconscious.

Cr Pickering described the incident as shocking.

He refused to be drawn on who punched him, but said he had given his statement to police.

“Yesterday’s incident was a little shocking, but I’m okay. I want to thank all of those people who have rung and supported my family and myself,” he said.

“Other than a bit of stiffness and soreness, a little bit of swelling, a few headaches, I’m okay.”

A police spokeswoman says Mr Tagg has since been spoken to and is helping with their inquiries.

Police said no charges have been laid but they still want to speak to eyewitnesses.