'Vile' threat from banned group sent to Carlisle born India Willoughby

Former ITV border newsreader Willoughby is a well-known advocate for trans rights in the media and made history when she became the first transgender national TV newsreader in 2017.

In a statement on social media, India Willoughby said that the letter was hand delivered to her accountant and contained a death threat.

India said: “My accountant just called. He’s received a letter today, hand delivered - no stamp, threatening to kill me because I’m trans.

“Full of graphic detail about what they are going to do. Passed on to the police. This is what British Media, the GC (Gender Critical) movement and the Government have done."

She added that “it’s like a letter from a horror film.”

India Willoughby has been the subject of several threats in the past as a result of her being a prominent trans activist.

A similar letter from the same group, National Action, London Cell was also allegedly received by activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu. The letter said that it was the group’s intention to kill Dr Mos-Shogbamimu and her family in an ‘execution’.

National Action was proscribed by the government in 2016 under the Terrorism Act and has been described as ‘like the BNP but more radical’.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “We are aware of letters sent to two people which contain vile racist and transphobic language, and threats.

"The letters are said to be from ‘National Action London Cell’.

"We are taking this matter seriously and an investigation is under way.

"Due to the nature of the letters and the potential involvement of a proscribed group, the Met's Counter Terrorism Command is leading the investigation.

"Officers have contacted the victims to request statements and to offer our full support.

"No arrest has been made at this stage and enquiries continue."

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