Man arrested after making death threats to Angela Eagle
A man has been arrested on suspicion of making death threats to Labour Party leadership contender Angela Eagle.
The 44-year-old man was arrested in Paisley, Renfrewshire after allegedly making threats to kill the Wallasey MP in an email, according to Merseyside Police.
“A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill,” a statement from the police said.
“Officers from Merseyside police executed a warrant in Paisley, Scotland, this morning, Friday July 15, and arrested the man.
“He will be questioned by Merseyside detectives today. The arrest comes after an email was sent to the account of Wallasey MP Angela Eagle.”
The arrest comes after Ms Eagle – who announced her bid to challenge Jeremy Corbyn for leadership earlier this week – had a brick thrown through the window of her constituency office.
Ms Eagle’s aides called the police after the incident in her constituency in Wallasey, Merseyside, which took place a few hours after the former shadow business secretary – who recently described herself as a “strong, gay woman” – announced her plans to challenge the current leader.
Following the incident, Paul Stuart – the co-vice chairman of the Wallasey constituency Labour party – said the attack was not an isolated incident, after Ms Eagle received a series of “really vile” homophobic emails and telephone calls.
Jane Kennedy – Merseyside police and crime commissioner – added that members of the “hard left” were creating a climate that encouraged such attacks and vowed to be to give the building “special attention” from now on.
In the wake of the attack, Mr Corbyn said “it is extremely concerning that Angela Eagle has been the victim of a threatening act and that other MPs are receiving abuse and threats.
“I utterly condemn any violence or threats, which undermine the democracy within our party and have no place in our politics.”
