A man has been charged with malicious communications after Conservative MP Mike Freer received an abusive and threatening phone call last week, police say.

James Phillips, 46, will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 7 February.

Mr Freer, currently a minister and the MP for Finchley and Golders Green, last week said he would not be standing for election after a raft of death threats and abuse.

He said an arson attack on his office on Christmas Eve was the “last straw”.

Last Thursday, police received a report from his office to report that he had an abusive and threatening phone call the previous day – which was the day he announced his decision to step down.

An investigation was launched and James Phillips was arrested on Tuesday.

A police statement said: “A man will appear in court charged with malicious communications.

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“James Phillips – 46, of Brampton Park Road, N22, will appear in custody charged with malicious communications – this relates to the Mike Freer MP.

“Phillips is also charged with assaulting an emergency services worker (police officer).

“He will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.”

A separate investigation into an arson attack at the MP’s office on Christmas Eve is ongoing, with a man and a woman charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

The two incidents are not being linked, police said.

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Speaking after the arrests, Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones said: “It is vitally important for elected officials and their staff they can be confident in their safety and security, and we are committed to ensuring this.

“Today’s arrest sends a clear message we will not tolerate threats or aggression of any kind towards elected officials. We will deal quickly and robustly with such offences.

“We are in regular contact with MPs and other elected officials and fully recognise the growing concerns they are telling us about their safety, and as you would expect, we have kept Mr Freer updated throughout this investigation including today’s arrest.”

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