Andrew Muir says death threat made against him

Stormont's Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has said a death threat has been made against him in recent days.

It comes days after the minister hit out at those using social media to attack officials in his department over plans to address water pollution.

Muir had criticised those he said were being "misogynistic" towards some of his staff and homophobic to him.

He said the death threat was made anonymously during a Zoom call on Monday, when a participant posted that "they wanted to see [him] shot".

"I condemn this death threat against me but can I just say, I will not be intimidated by anyone... we need to have a respectful dialogue, we don't need death threats," he said.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it "condemns and will thoroughly investigate any reports of abuse, harassment or criminality directed towards our elected representatives".

Speaking about elected representatives, Ch Supt Stephen Murray said it was "totally unacceptable that anyone should face abuse or threats simply for carrying out the duties of their office".

He said police would thoroughly investigate any such incident.

"We will continue to do all we can to ensure that all of our politicians are supported, and that they can undertake their role free from fear and intimidation."

Last month a man was prosecuted for threatening to kill Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and in 2012 Alliance Party leader Naomi long, who was then an MP and the party's deputy leader, received a death threat.

In March it was reported that death and rape threats had been issued against some Stormont politicians and their children.