FORMER Darwen councillor has received death threats after announcing he is standing as a parliamentary candidate in Rochdale.

Simon Danczuk, 40, who has been in politics for more than half of his life, arrived at work to find a three-foot wreath spelling "Smon" and a four-foot cross.

It follows a telephone death threat to his work in Manchester two days earlier where he said an unknown man told him: "Simon I have some important information for you.

"If you don't withdraw from the parliamentary selection process meeting on the January 6 you'll find your body parts spread across the M6 motorway."

Police in Manchester have confirmed an investigation into both threats has been launched and officers are working with Mr Danczuk to protect his safety.

The wreath, costing £290, thought to be from a Manchester florist, was paid for on a credit card, which is currently a main line of inquiry.

Attempts were made to trace the threatening phone call but it either came from abroad or via an internet messaging service and cannot be traced...

...(Simon Danczuk) added: ..."There's been a number of dirty tricks during the selection process,"

The Labour MP candidate for Rochdale will be announced after a count on January 22

http://www.blackburncitizen.co.uk/ne...th_threats.php