A COUNCIL worker has been arrested on suspicion of threatening to kill Jack Straw and Home Secretary Theresa May.

The man, who works for Blackburn with Darwen Council and lives in the Whalley Range area, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of making threats to kill and making a malicious communication.

Police said the arrest followed a telephone call last Wednesday to the office of Rossendale and Darwen Conservative MP Jake Berry during which threats were allegedly made towards Mr Straw, the Blackburn MP and Mrs May.

The man was interviewed by police on Monday and has been bailed until July 20.

A property in Whalley Range was also searched as part of the inquiry, police said.

Mr Straw, who is a former Foreign Secretary, Justice Minister and Home Secretary, said: "I am aware of this.

"Criminal proceedings are happening and there's not much more I can say. Theresa knows about the situation as far as I am aware.”

Mr Berry said a member of staff at his Rawtenstall constituency office took the call and reported the incident to police.

He said no similar threats had been received in the past.

He said: "I pay tribute to the staff at my office for being so quick thinking and reporting this matter immediately to the police.

"We have to take all threats extremely seriously."

Blackburn with Darwen Council declined to comment.