Newcastle councillor says battle with death threats and racism has increased after IS beheadings

Councillor Ahad says the abuse has increased in the wake of the recent beheadings by Islamic State militants. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

By Kenny Toal: ITV Tyne Tees

A Newcastle councillor says he has to put up with racism on a daily basis. Dipu Ahad says he has even received death threats.

Councillor Ahad says the abuse has increased in the wake of the recent beheadings by Islamic State militants.

Northumbria Police is currently investigating an email which threatened to behead him in retaliation and post the footage on YouTube.

Now the member for Elswick says it has reached the stage where he has considered resigning from office as a result.

This is just a small sample of the abuse Councillor Ahad says he receives every day

Councillor Ahad told ITV News that he experienced racism at all levels and he believes institutional racism is a major problem.

Despite the abuse he has decided to stand again and this week submitted his papers.