Terror police launch investigation into death threat against Labour MP Ruth Smeeth
The Stoke-on-Trent MP was subjected to a torrent of abuse on Facebook
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Your support makes all the difference.Counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation into a fanatic who has threatened to hang a Jewish female Labour MP from the gallows.
Ruth Smeeth is reportedly receiving special protection from police after receiving the foul-mouthed death threat on Facebook.
The Stoke-on-Trent MP is branded a “dyke” and a “CIA agent” in the highly offensive rant which is reported in The Sun.
The abuser accuses her of “treason” and says the gallows would be a “fine and fitting place” for her.
The threat was issued in July, soon after the MP fled the launch of Labour's report into anti-Semitism in tears after being accused by a Momentum activist of colluding with the right-wing press.
Ms Smeeth accused Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn of a “catastrophic failure of leadership” for failing to intervene during the incident and said the Labour Party “cannot be a safe space” for British Jews.
And she laid the blame for the latest threat with Mr Corbyn who she said had not done enough to stop abuse, telling The Sun: “I very much hold Jeremy personally responsible.”
Counter-terrorism police are investigating who is behind the abusive message, but no arrests have been made.
Ms Smeeth told The Sun: “You can't help but have a human reaction when you see comments as hateful as this.
“What concerns me most is the impact it has on my staff, who see it before me.
“But I am quite clear that I will not be intimidated by any of these people. I was elected to serve my constituents and I have a job to do.”
The Met Police said: “On Wednesday, 13 July, allegations of malicious communication and threats to kill made via social media were reported to the Metropolitan Police Service.
“After an assessment, an investigation was started by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command in liaison with the Parliamentary & Diplomatic Protection Command. That investigation is ongoing.
“At this stage, whilst there have been no arrests, a number of lines of enquiry are being actively pursued.”
A Labour spokeswoman said: “The Labour Party fully supports the work of the police in ensuring the safety and protection of all MPs and their staff.
“Threatening behaviour will not be tolerated within the party and we urge anyone receiving any abuse to contact the party and where relevant the police.
“We will do all we can to support Ruth and her staff during this time.”
Press Association
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