Man arrested over death threats letter sent to police chief

A man has been arrested after death threats were made in an anonymous letter sent to a police chief.
The anonymous letter concerned 'a large number' of named Labour members of Durham County Council.The anonymous letter concerned 'a large number' of named Labour members of Durham County Council.
The anonymous letter concerned 'a large number' of named Labour members of Durham County Council.

The 'highly politicised' letter, concerning 'a large number' of named Labour members of Durham County Council, was sent to Mike Barton, the chief constable of Durham Constabulary.

Today the force revealed that a 39-year-old local man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of sending a malicious communication.

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He has been interviewed and bailed from police custody while the police investigation into the letter and its contents continues.

Coun Carl Marshall, chairman of County Durham Labour, described the letter as "a threat to the democratic process", but said the tragic murder of Labour MP Jo Cox proves there is a real threat to people working in politics, whatever their party.