ALLEGATIONS of death threats, intimidation and dirty tricks have surfaced in an increasingly bitter contest between two candidates in Bradford West.

Labour’s Naz Shah and independent candidate Salma Yaqoob have made history by becoming the first two Muslim women to contest each other for a seat in Parliament.

But as polling day nears, both candidates claim they and their teams are victims of unpleasant or even illegal activities.

An image has surfaced online of Ms Shah’s face pictured in the crosshairs of a gun, in a chilling echo of the murder of Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox last year.

Ms Shah said she had reported the matter to police, saying: “On a personal level, I think it is absolutely atrocious.”

Ms Shah said the level of vitriol she was now facing eclipsed anything she had experienced two years ago, when she beat Respect’s George Galloway in what was a frequently fractious contest.

She said: “In the last campaign and this campaign, I have experienced unprecedented levels of personal attacks, misogyny, vitriol and vilification.”

Yesterday, Ms Yaqoob also released a statement, saying: “A supporter who has had my poster in their window has had their window smashed. Tyres have been slashed on a car which carried my poster.

“Banners and posts are removed during the night and supporters who have them up are being intimidated.

“These incidents are in the process of being reported to the relevant authorities.”

Ms Yaqoob’s statement also addressed allegations, reported in Pakistani media, that her campaign was being supported by the family of Bradford woman Samia Shahid, who died in an alleged ‘honour killing’ in Pakistan.

The father and ex-husband of Ms Shahid both deny murder and are awaiting trial.

Ms Shah had prominently called for justice for Ms Shahid.

But Ms Yaqoob said any suggestions that she was standing in the way of justice made her “sick to the stomach”.

She said: “Honour killing is an abhorrent crime and I respect anyone - even, of course, political opponents - who take a stance against it.

“I have championed women’s rights and freedoms, condemned honour killings, stood against racism in all its forms including anti-Semitism, and will continue to do so throughout my life.

“I have never and will never support honour killings in any way, shape or form.”

A police spokesman said: “We are investigating a number of complaints from across Bradford District in relation to the elections.

“It would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”

A spokesman for Bradford Council, which runs elections, added: “We have received a number of complaints in relation to the elections which we have forwarded to the police. It would be inappropriate for us comment further at this time.”

Police have already confirmed they are looking into allegations of a hate crime at a hustings in Bradford West, in which an audience member is alleged to have heckled Ms Shah with the words ‘Jew, Jew, Jew’ after she defended Israel’s right to exist.