Arrest over abusive phone calls to MP
A MAN has been arrested over reports of a series of abusive phone calls which were aimed at MP Angela Rayner.
Greater Manchester Police says a woman in Ashton-under-Lyne, the town Ms Rayner represents in Parliament, has reported multiple threatening and abusive phone calls, emails and letters over recent weeks.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Ms Rayner confirmed that she has received threatening communications and that police are investigating.
Yesterday, officers from GMP attended an address in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and arrested a 52-year-old man.
He was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries, GMP says. His arrest relates to abusive phone calls received on Friday, October 15, and police enquiries remain ongoing.
Det Sgt Christopher Dean, of GMP’s Tameside district, said: “Abusive, threatening or bullying behaviour towards anyone is completely unacceptable and we will always do what we can to ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable for their behaviour.”
Sgt Dean said despite the arrest enquiries were ongoing.
A spokesman for Ms Rayner added: “Abuse and threats of this nature don’t just have an impact on Angela but also on her family, her children and her staff who are on the receiving end of these communications.
“Angela is currently on bereavement leave after losing a close loved one and she looks forward to being back at work as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or use GMP’s LiveChat function at gmp. police.uk, quoting 3488 of October 22, 2021.