By Charlie Haynes

Senior Investigative Reporter, BBC East Midlands

Abuse towards people in local government is getting so severe it is putting democracy at risk, groups representing them have warned.

Examples include harassment, stalking, threats, assault, and even a dead rat being pushed through a letter box.

Some councils have put security plans in place to protect staff.

But many councillors have been put off from standing at the next local elections after facing abuse and intimidation, a survey found.

It follows recent warnings from the Jo Cox Civility Commission, which called for a central unit to address the abuse faced by all politicians.

There are around 100,000 councillors in local government at all levels - and more staff on top to support them. Councillors are responsible for taking decisions about social care, schools, housing and planning and waste collection.

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Six bodies, representing local authorities at all levels in England and Wales, have warned abuse levels are unacceptably high and have called for change.