Call to 'blow up' Jewish conference by former Bristol councillor probed

Police are investigating a post by a former Labour councillor calling on someone to "blow up" a Jewish Labour Movement meeting.

Harriet Bradley, who was also a university lecturer in Bristol, has apologised "to all people who've been hurt" by the now deleted post on X.

She added she "deeply regrets" writing the post "in a moment of anger".

Avon and Somerset Police said it is investigating the post as "an incident of malicious communications".

The one-day conference in north London is being organised for 14 January.

Planned speakers include Wes Streeting, Peter Mandelsen, Bridget Phillipson and Pat McFadden.

Ms Bradley posted on X: "Somebody blow up the venue!"

Formerly the member for Brislington West, Ms Bradley resigned from Bristol City Council in 2020, citing ill-health.

Ms Bradley was also a former professor in Sociology at the University of Bristol and at University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol.

Both universities have now stripped her of an honorary title.

A University of Bristol spokesperson said: "We are deeply dismayed by the inflammatory comment on social media from a former employee who has long retired and are taking appropriate action.

"We can confirm that we have withdrawn the Emeritus and Honorary Status of retired employee Professor Harriet Bradley with immediate effect."

A spokesperson from UWE said: "Harriet Bradley's permanent employment at UWE Bristol ended in 2018.

"Following her recent offensive remarks on social media, we can confirm that her honorary title of Emeritus Professor has been removed with immediate effect."

Avon and Somerset Police said: "We are aware of a social media message in response to the announcement of a Jewish Labour Movement conference next year - since deleted by X (formerly Twitter)."The post has also been reported to Avon and Somerset Police by a third party. We have recorded it as an incident of malicious communications, which is currently being investigated."