WORCESTER'S UKIP parliamentary candidate has courted controversy by demanding the return of the death penalty following the Manchester atrocity.

Paul Hickling has also called for "extreme vetting" of any immigrants arriving into Britain and for all 3,000 UK residents on an MI5 list linked to terror to have their passports confiscated.

But the remarks have been described as "sickening" by city Muslims and "stupid" by rival parliamentary candidates, who say he is seeking to divide people.

Mr Hickling said: "How many more Cobra meetings does the Government need to have before it decides to take real action at community level?

"I've had enough of us being the victim and offering total surrender in the face of what is in all-but-name a war on our people, culture and nation. "

"(Here's) some initial steps to take - firstly no more illegal immigrants under the guise of refugees, extreme vetting before anyone is allowed in.

"Next, the death penalty for terrorists and mandatory life sentences without parole for proven grooming gangs.

"Next, only British secular laws to have any weight in Britain - illegal Sharia law courts operating under the disguise of Sharia councils should be closed down.

Worcester News:

"How many more atrocities must we suffer before we routinely tag suspects and stop putting their human rights above our safety or the victims?

"How many more returning Jihadis and their brainwashed wives must we welcome home to walk our streets freely?

"Round up the 3,000 on the 'suspect list' and takeaway their passports so they can't travel."

Mr Hickling has also expanded upon his argument on his Facebook campaign page, telling his followers that everyone on the list should be "re-vetted".

Yesterday one Worcester Muslim, who did not want to be named, said: "It's sickening - it's this kind of inflammatory language that leads to racial abuse and Muslims being singled out."

Worcester Conservative parliamentary candidate Robin Walker said: "We should be very proud in this country of our values, democracy and rule of law.

"One very important point to that is you don't go around taking people's rights away unless you suspect they've actually committed a crime.

"This is stupid stuff, this kind of rhetoric is unhelpful and irresponsible - there is a pressing need for our country to stay united."

Labour's candidate Councillor Joy Squires added: "I stand with Worcester's Mosques and local communities in condemning Paul Hickling's comments.

"Our response to the tragic events in Manchester must be to come together to uphold our democratic values of tolerance, decency and respect."