MP Gordon Henderson has revealed he has increased security at his constituency office.

The Tory was speaking after the fatal attack on fellow parliamentarian Jo Cox last week.

Mr Henderson, who has represented Sittingbourne and Sheppey since 2010, says the 41-year-old’s death is tragic.

He said: “When one of our colleagues is attacked, it hits home to all of us; the politics takes a backseat and we collectively share in the sorrow.

“I cannot express how I feel because the reality is that two children are now without a mother – it is heartbreaking.”

In January, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority announced MPs were to get an enhanced security package following protests surrounding the decision to allow British planes to bomb targets in Syria.

This allowed them to buy or lease equipment such as alarm systems, CCTV and personal alarms.

Mr Henderson took up the offer to increase security at his office in Periwinkle Court Business Centre, Milton Regis, two months ago.

He said: “I think in this country we are on a heightened level of terror alert and generally MPs are valuable targets.

“You have to recognise there is a small number of people in the community who are mentally unstable or have a hateful agenda.

“When you’re in a high-profile job, it would be foolish not to take steps to protect yourself, staff and family.”

Although the backbencher says he has not experienced any abuse during routine surgeries, he has been concerned about the safety of those who work for him.

He added: “As an MP, you are always going to be out there in the community and thankfully I have always felt very safe in my constituency. But I still remain conscious of the risks I face as a public figure and I’m always worried for my staff.

“On occasions we receive phone calls from constituents who are irate and threaten those who work here.

“Some people ring up speaking of suicide for instance and it is quite clear they’re mentally disturbed.

“When that happens, I tell my staff to inform the police.”