Theresa May has launched an investigation into the "horrific and shocking" abuse suffered by parliamentary candidates after a wave of intimidation during the election campaign.

Labour and the Conservatives have both accused the other of failing to act to stamp out abuse by their members and activists after reports of racism, anti-Semitism and sexism.

The Prime Minister asked the Committee on Standards in Public Life to conduct a review into the problem as MPs gathered in Westminster Hall to discuss the apparent rise in personal attacks.

The probe will assess the current protections in place and report back to the Prime Minister with recommendations on ways to tackle abuse in the future.