Police are investigating online threats to ‘stab’ an election candidate for Hyndburn.

Labour’s Graham Jones shared a screenshot of the message, on his Facebook page, which read: “You all make me spew my guts. I just wanna stick a knife in your chest. So go on your way you parasite.”

The post was made on May 19 and Mr Jones said he has no idea what he had done to upset the respondent.

He said: “I reported this to the police because I wanted to expose the people on social media who send vile threats and bullying.

"Social media is a wonderful place, but there are people who think because they can hide and be anonymous that they can sent this kind of abuse, and they are encouraged by others to do so.”

This is not the first time Mr Jones has received abuse. He described how he was sent an anonymous death threat after voting for air strikes against ISIS in 2015.

He said: “My message is this only fuels extremism, it’s not strong, it’s just abusive and violent. If you don’t have constructive criticism or positive things to say, don’t say anything.”

The message was sent shortly before all MPs suspended campaigning for an hour in respect of the memory of Jo Cox, the former MP who was murdered in June last year.

Due to its graphic nature, which included extremely abusive language as well as threats, Mr Jones said that he has had to review his own personal security arrangements with the police as a result.

He said that while he did not feel like this was a threat that would be carried out, it was still right to report the message to the authorities.

He added: “I just think too many people think abuse is acceptable. As is quite common, they don’t actually recognise that they are being abusive.

“I reported this because it was important and the right thing to do, and I would encourage others to do so as well. We need to highlight that social media should be used for good and there is no place for this.”

No arrests have yet been made in connection with the incident. A police spokesman said: “We are aware of the post and enquiries are ongoing.”

Mr Jones will contest the seat with UKIP’s Janet Brown, Les Jones of the Liberal Democrats and Conservative Kevin Horkin at the general election.

Voters head to the polls on June 8.