Rev Richard Coles calls in police after online abuse following partner's death

Reverend Richard Coles has said he has spoken to the police after receiving hate mail following the death of his partner.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant revealed this week that his civil partner, the Rev David Coles, had passed away after a long illness.

After he announced his partner’s death, Coles said a “small but lively” group of Christians had contacted him to suggest that David was “in hell”.

Read more: Rev Richard Coles reveals abuse after partner’s death

Updating his fans, Coles has said that police are now involved in the matter.

He tweeted: “Police called this evening, sympathetic and professional, and my hateful correspondence is now evidence.

“Thank you @NorthantsPolice.”

He also told how the police paid tribute to David at a festive event.

"Also @NorthantsPolice lit a candle in memory of @RevDavidColes at their carol service tonight,” he tweeted.

“There appears to be evidence of something in my eye."

Coles announced on Tuesday that his partner had passed away at Kettering Hospital.

He said while most people were supportive, he received homophobic abuse from a few.

He tweeted: “99.99999% loveliness from people and then a small but lively correspondence from Christians who wish me to know that D is in hell and I will follow.

“It’s like the Khmer Rouge suddenly popping up in a stream of condolence.

“A letter, courageously unsigned, begins: “Dear Mr Coles, I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am to hear of the death of your partner...”

Coles, 57, met David in 2007.

According to the musician's website, the pair lived together with their four dogs in their vicarage in Finedon, Northamptonshire.

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Coles was the keyboard player in 80s band The Communards, who achieved three Top Ten hits.

He was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, and has been a co-presenter on BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live programme since 2011.