One man has been charged and another man has been arrested in connection with sending abusive emails and letters and making threatening phone calls to Ashton-under-Lyne and Failsworth MP Angela Rayner. 

Greater Manchester Police officers arrested a 52-year-old man at an address in Halifax on Wednesday morning (27 October) on suspicion of malicious communications. 

He's since been released on bail pending further enquiries. His arrest related to abusive phone calls received by the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party on Friday 15 October - which was also the same day that Conservative MP Sir David Amess was fatally stabbed at a constituency surgery in Essex. 

GMP say an additional arrest was made on Thursday morning (28 October) in conjunction with South Yorkshire Police.

A 70-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of malicious communication and he remains in custody for questioning. His arrest relates to abusive e-mails received on Saturday 16 October.

Police in Cambridgeshire have also charged one man in conjunction with the investigation. 

Benjamin Iliffe, 36, of Slade Way, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, has been charged with malicious communications and possession of cannabis.

He has been remanded into custody and will appear before Huntingdon Magistrates' Court later on Thursday.

GMP say enquiries are ongoing and the force will continue to work in partnership with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and South Yorkshire Police.

On Wednesday, MP Rayner - who is currently off work on bereavement leave - took to Twitter to thank Greater Manchester Police for their support and said the ordeal had been very difficult for her children. 

I want to thank the officers at @GMPTamesideN @gmpolice for their work in this investigation and for supporting me, my family and my staff during this time, which has been particularly difficult for my children. https://t.co/FtNSaRXXs2

— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) October 27, 2021

A spokesperson for the Labour MP said: "Angela and her staff have received a number of threatening, malicious and abusive communications in recent weeks. We are working with the police to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice and Angela would like to thank the police for their work during these investigations.

"Abuse and threats of this nature don't just have an impact on Angela but also on her family, her children and her staff who are on the receiving end of these communications.

"Angela is currently on bereavement leave after losing a close loved one and she looks forward to being back at work as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact police via 101 or the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk quoting Operation Octant. Alternatively, details can be passed via the anonymous charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

GMP is also encouraging victims of hate to access support and information at gmvictims.org.uk and report hate crime online at www.gmp.police.uk or by calling 101.