A man has been remanded in custody accused of stalking a Conservative MP by sending him threatening messages about the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Feras Al-Jayoosi, 36, was arrested by counter-terrorism police on Thursday and was later charged with stalking Justin Tomlinson, who represents North Swindon in Wiltshire, by sending multiple abusive and threatening emails which caused fear and concern.

Al-Jayoosi, from Swindon, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Saturday.

During a brief hearing the court heard the alleged emails concerned the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He was denied bail and remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Al-Jayoosi is also charged with criminal damage over an un-related matter.