Essex reality star James Lock has claimed Priti Patel 'incited hate' by criticising influencers who fled lockdown Britain.

The Only Way is Essex star is one of a number of stars who visited Dubai after lockdown measures were introduced in the UK.

He says he has received death threats and faced calls for his arrest since Priti Patel made the comments last month.

Ms Patel, who is MP for Witham, said there were “still too many people coming in and out of our country each day” despite the coronavirus lockdown.

She said: “We see plenty of influencers on social media showing off about which parts of the world that they are in, mainly in sunny parts of the world.

“Going on holiday is not an exemption and it’s important that people stay at home.”

James told the Sun: "We've been bombarded with vile abuse.

"We have had death threats. People have said 'I hope you get Covid and die', they've said 'I hope your family gets Covid and dies'.

"The hate has increased one hundred per cent after what Priti Patel said in the House of Commons.

"I think it is disgusting she has tried to use influencers as a scapegoat. It is embarrassing the government are trying to pass the blame.

"She has basically incited hate. We've been bombarded with hate and death threats ever since then. It's increased tenfold. It's been crazy."

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Ms Patel launched a series of tougher border measures last month, including a requirement for people to declare their reason for leaving the UK, and increased police enforcement of the ban on holidays.

She also confirmed that people returning from “red list” countries will be taken to quarantine hotels for 10 days, but it is not known when this policy will be implemented.

Anyone returning from the United Arab Emirates faces quarantine after the UK added it to its red list of countries.