AN angry rector has condemned Colchester MP Bob Russell for using what he described as “vile and offensive” language.

The Rev Neil Richardson says he was shocked when the MP described rioters as a*******s in a letter to a national newspaper.

But Mr Russell has responded by saying he sticks by his description of those who wrecked and looted businesses and homes.

Mr Richardson, the rector of Greenford Magna, near Uxbridge, said Mr Russell should not have used the word to describe those responsible.

“I was horrified to read a Member of Parliament using such offensive language, so I wrote to him to express my concerns,” Mr Richardson said.

“The use of such a vile and offensive term to describe your fellow human beings, whatever wrongs they may have committed, is disgusting, disgraceful and, above all, shows a total lack of professional skill.”

He was responding to a letter in the Guardian newspaper which was published on August 17. Part of Mr Russell's letter said: “For the record, I said that those who rioted are a******s and that when it comes to sentencing them I am probably to the right of many Conservatives.”

Mr Richardson said Liberal Democrats like Mr Russell would know all about such a description, as the party had betrayed the people that voted for them.

He added: “I devoutly hope that at the next election, and the sooner the better, the voters will see you for what you are – unprincipled and opportunistic politicians without an ounce of integrity or truthfulness.”

Mr Russell said the rector’s complaint was the only one he had received over the letter.

He added: “The Rev Richardson is entitled to his opinion, but I am sure the people who lost their businesses and homes do not have much respect for those who did not respect their property.

“He comes across as the Private Eye character, the Reverend Flannel.”