A BBC antiques expert claims he has received death threats for supporting a near-total ban on ivory sales in the UK.

James Lewis, who has featured on Flog it, Bargain Hunt, and Cash in the Attic, helped politicians draw up new laws regarding ivory sales after he gave evidence advocating the move.

The 45-year-old auctioneer claims his involvement has resulted in death threats from figures within the antique industry who fear toughened legislation could harm their careers.

He said: “I got a couple of phone calls saying, 'I don't know why you're worried about the elephants being shot, the way you're going you'll be next'. Then emails written in red. Nasty things.

“I know a lot of antiques dealers don't like it, but it (the ban) is needed.”

Current rules state ivory cannot be sold if it less than 70 years old, but 'worked' or carved items before 1947 can be traded legally.

The bill has its final reading in the House of Lords this month and could represent some of the tightest restrictions on ivory sales in the world.