MPs have backed the prime minister in her campaign to stamp out abuse received by political candidates.

A government review into the treatment of politicians has received the backing of Worcester's MP Robin Walker and Mid-Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston.

Both Tory MPs said they had received online abuse, with Mr Huddleston even being forced to contact the police.

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, previously complained about the 'vicious and threatening undertone' during the last general election campaign, when vandals sprayed 'dementia tax is a scam' onto the garden door of Malvern councillor Rebecca Massey's home.

Mr Walker said: "I think this is not just about MPs, it's about all candidates.

"People running for election should be prepared to take a bit of a knock about and face criticism.

"But I don't think it's right people should be subject to intimidation and violence.

"We want to encourage an atmosphere in which women, ethnic minorities and different groups can come into politics without intimidation.

"What we must not do is suggest that politicians have to be in a safe space where they are free from criticism. I think the prime minister is being careful to strike a balance.

"I think anyone in politics will sometimes receive unacceptable language on social media.

"I find the mute button very useful in that regard on Twitter."

Mr Huddleston added that he supported the prime minister's plans and said he had received both online and offline abuse.

He said: "MPs aren't punching bags. I don't know a single MP who hasn't experienced some form of abuse. I know some that have had death threats, stalking and all sorts of things.

"Some candidates get such incredible abuse it puts them off standing for office ever again - that really worries me.

"We are entering a new age where the laws need to catch up. What's unacceptable offline isn't acceptable online.

"We must stamp out this vile abuse. If people are abusive to me on Twitter I block them."

Mr Huddleston added that female politicians receive a disproportionate amount of abuse.

Bill Wiggin, MP for North Herefordshire, also welcomed the prime minister's plans.

He said: "It is wrong to abuse anybody and it is a form of bullying.

The ability to hide identity online causes people to write things they later come to regret but that is still bullying and we all know that to be wrong.

"In politics we expect to have to argue the case but death threats and harassment are wrong and are another form of bullying.

"I have dealt with all these and while it has not deterred me, I can see that other people would be put off by such intimidation.

"We ought to attract good people into politics and we won’t do that if they are not safe.”

Mrs Baldwin declined to comment.