Protest leader receives death threat

David Handley was a key figure in the fuel protests

The Welsh leader of fuel protests which brought much of the country to a standstill two months ago has been the victim of a "serious" death threat.

Usk farmer David Handley - who stood down on Tuesday as chairman of the People's Fuel Lobby - said he had received a letter within the last few days threatening his life or that of a member of his family.

David Handley: Threat was "quite serious"

The threat was confirmed by Gwent Police, which said officers were investigating the matter.

Chief Inspector Nigel Russell said: "It was a very nasty and personal letter making threats that David and his wife are taking seriously and us as well.

"We are also looking at ways to provide advice to them and protect them should anyone take their threat further."

He could not reveal what specific security measures were being taken.

Mr Handley said he has received various threats from opponents since becoming chairman of the campaign group in September.

But he was adamant that they were not behind his decision to stand down.

"We have had the odd letter, but nothing to bother anyone about - we just binned them.

The September blockades caused nationwide chaos

"But this one is quite serious and the police are dealing with it. This is not the reason I have stepped down from the People's Fuel Lobby - Dave Handley isn't going away."

He added: "We have received a threat on my property which obviously could result in injury to my family."

It is thought the person or group behind the threat is an opponent of Mr Handley's stance on the price of fuel.

The Monmouthshire farmer said he and his wife were remaining calm and were concentrating on his role as one of the leaders of Farmers for Action.

"We are not bothered about things like that.

"When you put your head up out of the water there's going to be somebody who is going to disagree and today in society we have got people who are a bit sad," he added.

Brynle Williams - who led the fuel protests at Stanlow, Cheshire - said he was "shocked" by the news.

Mr Williams admitted that he too had received threats.

"They came first by phone then by letter. It is quite frightening when someone tells you you are dead."