'No criminality' after SNP MP refers threatening message to police

Police Scotland have said there was “no criminality” linked to a threatening message received by an SNP MP.

Alyn Smith had passed a threatening message to police

Alyn Smith, the SNP MP for Stirling, had referred a message he received on Monday evening to Police Scotland due to it being “particularly threatening”, The National reported.

It followed a 30-year-old man being arrested and charged in relation to a message sent to another SNP MP, Joanna Cherry.

Both messages were sent after Ms Cherry announced her sacking from the front bench of the party and amid a row between warring factions within the party.

However, Police Scotland said the message sent to Mr Smith showed no evidence of criminality.

A spokesperson said: “We were notified of an online communication and following enquiries no criminality was established."

Speaking to The National, Mr Smith had said the text of the email included the threat “you don’t know what I’m capable of” and was directed towards the MP.

He said: “On Monday evening, my staff received a threatening email, which was concerning and to merit forwarding to the police, which we did on Monday evening," he said.

"I am fine. This is not unusual sadly, but this email was particularly threatening and I felt the need to involve the police for the protection of my team as well as myself.

"Nobody should have to suffer abuse and I, like colleagues across the party and indeed all parties in Scotland, receive unpleasant communications and we need to involve the proper authorities at the proper time."

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