A man who was charged with sending "threatening communications" to a Kent MP on Facebook has had the case against him dropped.

The message featured images of a gun and a knife and was allegedly posted on Thanet South MP Craig Mackinlay's Facebook page in June, just days after MP Jo Cox was killed.

Mark Verier, 28, of High Street, Ramsgate, had been charged with one count of sending offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing communications.

But the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped the case at Margate Magistrates' Court this morning.

Police spokesman Richard Allen said: "We investigated a report of offensive or threatening comments being made on a social media post.

"Having investigated the case the evidence was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service, who authorised a charge of malicious communications against the suspect.

"However, the CPS has since taken the decision to not continue with court proceedings."

A CPS spokesman said: “We received a file of evidence from Kent Police regarding an allegation of malicious communication and, based on this, a decision was made to charge Mr. Verier.

“As with all cases, it was subject to further review and the decision was taken that it did not meet the high threshold for prosecuting such offences.

"Therefore, the case was discontinued.”

Craig Mackinlay said: “CPS decisions are a matter for them but I’m very grateful to Kent Police for handling this matter with the seriousness and professionalism it warranted.

"I am continuing to upgrade security for my staff and family who face the brunt of attacks from so-called ‘cyber-thugs’.”

Mr Mackinlay beat former Ukip leader Nigel Farage to become MP for South Thanet in May last year, following several years as a ward councillor for Medway Council.