A SOUTHEND councillor has reported a “threatening” social media post to police after being sent an image of himself with two MPs who were previously murdered.

Laurie Burton, Labour councillor responsible for children, young people, and SEND, was sent a post on X - formerly Twitter - just days before the three-year anniversary of the death of Sir David Amess.

The post included three pictures, a photo of himself, two pictures of Sir David Amess, and Jo Cox - both who were tragically murdered while serving as MPs.

It came from an unnamed account, which has now been suspended by X for “violating its rules”.

Mr Burton said: “It is shocking that on the weekend of David Amess’s memorial, someone has sent me such a shocking tweet.

“When I first saw the tweet, I was shocked, not to mention a bit scared.

“I always like to be out and visible in the community, so it is sad to think I may have to limit that.

“I don’t know whether it is a prank or an actual threat, but either way I am taking it seriously.

“Naturally, I have reported it to the police who are investigating.”

Mr Burton has reported the threat to Essex Police, who have been contacted for comment by the Echo.

The incident comes just weeks after Mr Burton was accused of transphobia following a tweet where he posted to a trans woman saying she “is a male and nothing can change that reality”.

This post was in response to a social media post about the “right to use female bathrooms.”

Mr Burton was also at the LGB Alliance in London, when it descended into chaos after trans activists reportedly emptied thousands of crickets into the event moments before he was due to take to the stage.

The LGB Alliance campaigns exclusively for the rights of homosexual and bisexual people.

Mr Burton added: “I was due to address a gay rights conference. Just before my panel, a group of extremists unleashed 6,000 crickets into the hall, causing it to be cancelled.

“Throughout history, homophobes have tried to stop gay people meeting and discussing our rights.

“It has never stopped us before, and it won’t stop us now.”