A HAMPSHIRE MP has received a death threat after backing plans to extend the runway at Southampton Airport.

Paul Holmes, Tory MP for Eastleigh, has received an email which says: "You are going to be taken and killed. We may have to blow up your car and destroy your family home."

Mr Holmes has posted the email on social media and reported it to Hampshire police.

Southampton Airport wants to extend the runway by 164m (538ft) to enable it to handle larger aircraft.

The proposals were approved earlier this month by Eastleigh Borough Council, despite a huge number of objections relating to noise and pollution.

Mr Holmes had described the plans as vital for the local economy and launched a petition in favour of the scheme after it was initially rejected by the council's planning committee.

The email was sent by someone claiming to be "James Weight".

It says: "Your support for this criminally stupid airport expansion has placed a mark on your head, son.

"You are going to be taken and killed. We may have to blow up your car and destroy your family home. We have not decided yet.

"You have to be stopped. Violence is our only option."

Writing on social media Mr Holmes said: "Charming email from ‘James Weight’ threatening to kill me and blow up my car because of my support for the airport expansion.

"Nothing will stop me aiming to do the right thing for my constituency. I’ll always name and shame these emails."

Hampshire Constabulary said it was investigating a report of a malicious communication.