Death threats allegedly made against Rochdale by-election candidate Simon Danczuk

A political party says it's reported death threats made against its candidate for the Rochdale by-election to police - and called for heightened security in the run-up to the poll. Former Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk is Reform UK's candidate as voters go to the polls to elect the town a new MP on Thursday.

The party posted a video to X - formerly Twitter - today, as well as a second post. It says both show threats being made to 'assault' Mr Danczuk.

Try MEN Premium now for FREE... just click here to give it a go.

The video posted shows a man holding up what appears to be an election leaflet for the Reform UK candidate.

A man speaking appears to call him a 'bald, white, devil, b******'. He goes on to read from the flyer - 'vote for Rochdale, not Gaza' - then says 'son of a b****'.

The speaker says he's 'gonna put one on his head' then makes further disparaging comments and references EastEnders character Phil Mitchell.

The party's official X feed posted the video with the accompanying text: "Horrific racist death threat against our Rochdale by-election candidate. Reported to police, asked for protection. We know who it is & trust he'll be arrested. Racism works both ways in multicultural Britain."

A second Reform UK post claimed businesses have been threatened.

It also features messages believed to be referenced at Mr Danczuk, including: "I am going to assault you when I see you and I care not of the consequences."

The post says: "Supportive businesses been threatened with firebombing unless take leaflets down. Our democracy being destroyed by terror."

The Manchester Evening News understands the video was sent to Mr Danczuk's campaign's Facebook page today after party campaign leaflets dropped on door mats in Rochdale.