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THE SNP were slammed for using “intimidation” tactics today after encouraging supporters to photograph Labour activists and post the pictures on the internet.

The Edinburgh Western SNP branch asked supporters to take the “sinister” action if Labour canvassers called at their door.

The official Facebook page of the branch posted a message saying: “If a Labour (sic) come to your door ask them about: 1. Trident renewal 2. Austerity vote 3. Fracking moratorium vote.

“If they lie take a picture of them and post the information. Use the hashtag #labourdoorstep.”

Labour activist Kayleigh Quinn, 23, wrote on Twitter: “Why are SNP so creepy with the photo taking? It’s happened to me a few times. Really weird behaviour, guys.”

Scottish Labour MP Anne McGuire said: “This is an absolutely outrageous attempt to intimidate Scottish Labour activists into silence.

“People should not feel threatened for canvassing voters or expressing their own political opinions, and the idea of photographing someone against their will is incredibly sinister.

“The SNP need to get their members in line, this form of politics should be nowhere near the general election in May.”

SNP bosses carpeted the leaders of the branch after the Daily Record informed party HQ of the post.

A spokesman said: “We absolutely do not condone this and we have told the branch that. The post has now been removed.”

The SNP are riding high in the polls but there are concerns about the behaviour of some of the hardliners who have joined the party in the wake of last year’s independence referendum.

SNP candidate Mhairi Black - who is challenging Labour’s Douglas Alexander - sparked controversy recently when it emerged she had admitted wanting to headbutt Labour councillors when the No vote was declared in the early hours of September 19.

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