IT is less than two years since the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox shocked the nation. Just over 18 months ago, terror came to the doors of Parliament itself, when Khalid Masood killed four people on Westminster Bridge before stabbing PC Keith Palmer to death.

Last week, the latest crime figures show a nine per cent rise in police-recorded incidents in the first half of 2018, largely fuelled by rises in homicides and knife offences.

Set against that context, it is incredible that un-named Tory MPs could think it acceptable to provide anonymous briefings suggesting Theresa May is about to be “knifed in the front” and should “bring her own noose” to a meeting with backbenchers.

At a time when many holders of public office, particularly women, are battling against a rising tide of online abuse, it is distasteful for MPs to use this kind of violent imagery.

Whatever anyone thinks of the Prime Minister’s politics or leadership, she should not have to put up comments of this nature.

It is telling that those responsible for the remarks have chosen to hide behind a veil of anonymity.

Perhaps if their identities were known, victims of violent crime within their constituencies might have something to say about this damaging language being used.

The MPs involved should be ashamed for helping to normalise such behaviour. It is the duty of our elected representatives to raise the tone of public debate, not to drag it in the gutter.