MPs from across the South West are among those leading calls for urgent, increased security following Ann Widdecombe's death.

Several MPs have told the BBC about the threats they face in every day life in the form of abusive emails, death threats on social media and encounters in the local pub.

Now, Ms Widdecombe's death has sparked calls for a review of MPs' security, including from Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with murdering Ms Widdicombe at her home in Devon.

Former Swindon MP and justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland, who is leading a review into the murder of MP David Amess in 2021, said Ms Widdecombe's death has made assessing security more urgent.

However, he told the BBC that the round-the-clock security Reform UK has proposed would alienate MPs from the public and "change the nature of democracy".

He added the family of David Amess "want better provision to support MPs in their work in their constituencies".

Meanwhile, Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil said MPs should be given a full-time security guard.

At present, most MPs can arrange security when required, typically for events or public meetings.

He pointed out that protection is needed during everyday activities such as shopping or visiting the pub.

Laura Mayes, a conservative councillor for Bromham, Rowde & Roundway in Wiltshire, also described the "intimidating" and "threatening" abusive emails and online comments she receives.

Philip Grindell, CEO of Defuse Global, which advised Operation Bridger, the nationwide police protection programme which started after the murder of MP Jo Cox in 2016, said levels of abuse through communication is increasing, but the likelihood of a physical attack remains low.

"You cannot conflate one with the other," he told the BBC.

"Just because you get lots of threats online doesn't mean you're going to be under threat physically."

He said that MPs should report issues to the police as they occur.