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After speaking about his autism and depression, Chris Packham has been labelled a “nut job” by a hunting firm.

The rant on Twitter follows BBC presenter Chris slamming grouse shooting for “sport”. Tory MP Nicholas Soames, who is a hunt supporter, retweeted the slur.

Conservationist Mark Avery, who wants the blood sport banned, was also condemned.

Posting the insults during Mental Health Awareness Week, Merseyside firm Hunting Solutions, which sells hunting and shooting equipment, tweeted: “Truth Avoider @MarkAvery and self confessed nutjob @ChrisGPackham continue to peddle their lies however...”

(Image: Getty)

Chris, 55, said: “It’s very disappointing to see such comments retweeted by an MP.

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“People with Asperger are not ‘nut jobs’ they are simply different. And if associated depression qualifies them for such categorisation then I hope he manages to engage with some of the important messages from Mental Health Week."

Dr Mark Avery said: 'Charming! This guy is clearly worried that our e-petition to ban driven grouse shooting is gaining lots of support - he is clearly rattled!'

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Springwatch host Chris' claims about grouse shooting for sport include that it leads to the deliberate illegal killing of protected birds of prey.

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He told last month of his Asperger syndrome battle and revealed his depression was so bad he considered suicide twice.