ANTI-EU campaigners have dismissed as "pathetic" accusations that they were bringing comfort to terrorists following last week's letter bomb to local MEP Gary Titley.

The UK Independence Party was described as "scum" by Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies for saying the bombing campaign was the price of forcing a political ideal on people.

But the UKIP has hit back, accusing Mr Davies of getting worried before June's Euro elections that his policies were the less popular.

"The whole point of UKIP is to restore accountable government," said UKIP North West candidate John Whittaker.

"Then people will be able to vent their anger through the democratic process rather than through violence.

"Labelling us as "scum" for pointing out people's frustration and anger about the lack of democracy in the EU is what we have come to expect from Chris Davies."

Dr Whittaker added: "Mr Davies should reserve his outrage for the appalling bombing campaign and the system of government that gives rise to it. But we suspect he wants to protect the cosy club of overpaid MEPs and their sham of a parliament. He is thinking of June's euro poll and knows our message is more popular than his."

The UK Independence Party has three MEPs and its main policy is to withdraw Britain from the European Union.