A newly elected UUP councillor has told how she received a letter to her home accusing her of exploiting the deaths of her children for votes.
Linzi McLaren, who was elected to Ards and North Down Borough Council, said the letter branded her a "bad mother" for "neglecting my children to run a political campaign".
The Holywood and Clandeboye representative, a mother of four, said she has been in contact with the PSNI about the letter.
Earlier this year Ms McLaren told how her first child died as a result of cot death and her loss of another son mid-pregnancy.
She described her grief as "unimaginable and unexplainable" and called for more aftercare for mothers suffering the loss of children.
Ms McLaren said she would continue to lobby for mental health resources, as she described the letter she had received following her election win.
In a series of tweets, she said: "72hrs after being elected, today I received a letter to my home address (which is not in the public domain), stating how I have exploited the death of my children for votes, what a bad mother I am for neglecting my children to run a political campaign, and how vile the UUP are.
"People can say what they like about me, but talking about my children is another matter. I have lobbied, and I will continue to lobby, for mental health resources.
"My children are not only safe and happy, but they are proud of their mum.
"So far in those 72hrs, I have visited constituents, answered emails, spoke with parents about safeguarding issues, and liaised with a residents' group about anti-social behaviour.
"People have voted for me because I work hard, and for no other reason.
"Police have been amazing and hopefully you'll hear from them soon."
Other politicians across the political spectrum and many Twitter users expressed their shock over the letter and offered Ms McLaren their support.
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie tweeted: "Stay strong Linzi. Haters will hate, bullies will bully, but you have many many friends surrounding you."
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong described the letter as "horrible", adding: "Too many women in politics have been on the receiving end of such hate. Solidarity."
SDLP Mournes councillor Laura Devlin condemned the "appalling" letter.
She said: "No one should be subjected to this. We need women as well as mothers in political life. It's so vitally important."
A PSNI inspector said: "We have received a report and enquiries are ongoing.
"The Police Service of Northern Ireland remains committed to doing everything we can to ensure all candidates can participate in the Northern Ireland election process free from harassment, intimidation or any other form of criminality."
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