Police investigate 'threatening' message sent to Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay

The MP said a message had called for his execution

MP Craig Mackinlay (PA Images)

Police are investigating reports that a Conservative MP was sent a threatening message on Facebook.

Craig Mackinlay, the MP for South Thanet who stood against Nigel Farage at the general election in 2015, said MPs had a right to feel safe and that he had alerted the authorities.

The alleged incident comes a week after the killing of Labour MP Jo Cox in West Yorkshire, after which the issue of MPs’ safety has come to the fore.

MPs on Monday paid tribute to Ms Cox in Parliament in a brief break from campaigning in the EU referendum.

Mr Mackinlay said: “Following the shocking events of last Thursday, it is in the most appalling taste that I have received a death threat using social media, with ‘emoticons’ of a gun, knife and laughing face recommending a similar means by which I should be executed.

“Sadly, all MPs receive abusive communications, but in the wake of the murder of Jo Cox MP, I have passed on the details to Kent Police who have allocated a senior detective to investigate whether the Malicious Communications Act has been breached.

“Whilst I can take the rough and tumble of modern politics, my wife and staff are obviously concerned about their daily activities in serving the public.

“They have a right to feel safe, and I thank Kent Police for not only considering security at my office more closely, but also for the contact they have made with me following the murder of Jo Cox MP last week.”

Kent Police said they were investigating the allegations.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Kent Police is investigating a report of a threatening or offensive communication made today. Inquiries are ongoing.