MP’s wife sent dead bird in post

Coun Jo White returned from her first official Bassetlaw Council meeting last Wednesday to find a decomposing blackbird in a package addressed to her.

She immediately called the police thinking the matter would be dealt with the next day, but the bomb squad, three police cars and an ambulance were dispatched to their North Wheatley home around 11pm.

Coun White, who won the Worksop East seat on 3rd May, said the episode left her ‘frightened’ and ‘shaken’.

“While there was an unpleasant smell I thought nothing of it until I began opening the last package when the smell became so overwhelming I retched and felt really sick,” she said.

“The council meeting had been so positive and such a celebration - I never for once expected to come home to find this waiting for me. I really hope they find whoever did this.”

Coun White said the bird had been put in a brown jiffy bag which had two first class stamps and a white label stuck on it, addressed to ‘Coun Miss Jo White’.

She said: I put the package outside and called the police who have been absolutely brilliant.”

“They opened up the package and found a decomposing bird and took them both away for DNA investigation.”

Coun White, who manages Mr Mann’s Worksop office, said she believes the parcel coincides with her recent election success.

“I have always been cautious about opening post as John has been known to receive some unusual parcels in the past, given his work as MP,” she said.

“The only reason I can think of why someone would do this to me is because I am now a councillor.”

Mr Mann said the handwriting on the parcel was in block capitals.

“It’s appalling a new councillor should have to deal with this in their first week and I hope the perpetrator is quickly found and given the maximum punishment possible,” he said.

“While we could take the quiet route and not say anything I want to make it absolutely clear that such behaviour is intolerable and we will not be intimidated by anyone. This is clearly the work of a sick and twisted individual.”

A police spokesman said the incident is being treated as suspicious and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information should call telephone Notts Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.