Enfield Southgate Conservative group has not explained why it provided a photoshopped image to illustrate a story on a “dangerous” road junction.

The Conservatives came under fire from Twitter users last week after sending the Enfield Independent a photograph showing former MP for Enfield Southgate David Burrowes and his dog at a meeting he did not attend.

It was used to illustrate a story in which the Conservatives claimed Labour had ignored residents’ concerns about a road junction that poses a “serious safety threat”.

The Enfield Independent requested a statement from the Conservative group and council candidate for the Southgate Ward Jasmine Storry, who provided the photograph, but has not received a response.

Labour seized on the issue – which one Twitter user branded “doggate” – and criticised the Conservatives for doctoring photographs.

Angie McEvoy, Labour’s local election candidate for Southgate, tweeted: “The Tories have exploited genuine concerns of Southgate residents to promote themselves and their failed ex-MP. @cllranderson already working hard to resolve this problem. Resident safety must be taken seriously and not used as a campaign prop.”

The Conservatives later sent over an image without Mr Burrowes, which replaced the previous photograph on the Independent’s website.