MP Angela Eagle subjected to homophobic abuse

Labour MP Angela Eagle was subjected to homophobic abuse by activists in her Merseyside constituency, a report has found.

Ms Eagle had to endure "abusive and intimidating" phone calls and was sent "hundreds of abusive, homophobic and frightening messages".

At one point a brick was thrown through the window of her constituency party offices.

It is thought this was "highly likely" linked to her failed Labour leadership bid, an investigation by the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) has found.

The report described a "toxic" culture in the Wallasey Constituency Labour Party (CLP) which left some members too afraid to take part in its proceedings, amid claims of a takeover by hard left activists.

Ms Eagle welcomed the report saying the abuse aimed at her and her staff had been "intolerable".

She said she also welcomed Corbyn's decision to speak out on its findings.

"I am grateful that Jeremy took the unusual step of both attending and speaking in the meeting and that he expressed sincere sympathy for both me and for my staff.

"It is now clear and accepted by the NEC that homophobic abuse was perpetrated by some members of the local party; I will simply not tolerate it, and I know I have the backing of both Jeremy and union leaders when I say that there is no place for it in the Labour movement either.

"As regards the vandalism of my office, I am grateful to both the internal investigators and the NEC for making clear both the facts of the matter and for the support of members up and down the country, including the leader of the Labour Party, that such abuse both happened and is intolerable."

It is understood the Wallasey CLP will remain suspended until a review next spring and that a number of local activists could face disciplinary action in the new year.