Probe after MSP is sent a threatening email by far Right

POLICE have launched an investigation after a senior Labour Party MSP was threatened by far-Right extremists.

Anas Sarwar yesterday revealed he had received a sinister email which included a propaganda video along with the words ‘Not one step back. We are everywhere’.

This comes just weeks after Mr Sarwar spoke out against his experiences of racism and Islamophobia.

He said that the messages from the far-Right group had ‘strengthened’ his resolve to campaign further on the issue and called out those who ‘seek to divide our communities’.

Mr Sarwar said: ‘I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and solidarity in the last few weeks. Sadly, I have also received some highly troubling communications.

‘But all these people have inadvertently done is strengthened my resolve to campaign on the issue of everyday racism and Islamophobia and to deliver positive change.

‘There are many who seek to divide our communities, to use perceived difference to build fear and resentment. Those that seek to divide must never be allowed to succeed.’

Police Scotland has confirmed that officers are investigating the email, and that Mr Sarwar’s security is being assessed after a visit to his constituency office.

A spokesman said: ‘We can confirm we are investigating a report of an offensive communication.’

Mr Sarwar has been praised over his ‘brave’ decision to speak out against an alleged comment from a party colleague during the Labour leadership race last year.

He revealed a senior councillor had refused to support him in his bid as he was a ‘brown, Muslim P***’. Davie McLachlan, former leader of the Labour group on South Lanarkshire Council has been suspended pending an investigation. However, he strongly denies the claims.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has since said he has had death threats aimed at him and his family on social media.