Wallasey MP Angela Eagle was subjected to homophobic abuse by activists in her constituency an investigation by the party's ruling national executive committee has found.

Ms Eagle - who challenged Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour leadership last summer before standing aside for Owen Smith - welcomed the findings saying the abuse aimed at her and her staff had been "intolerable."

The report found there had been a “high-level of inter-member abuse in Wallasey” and that it was not possible for the local party to meet safely at the moment.

The inquiry report also found it was "highly likely" an attack on her constituency party offices - when a brick was thrown through a window - was linked to her leadership bid.

The report described a "toxic" culture in the Wallasey Constituency Labour Party which left some members too afraid to take part in its proceedings, amid claims of a takeover by hard left activists.

Ms Eagle's office had to endure "abusive and intimidating" phone calls while "many hundreds of abusive, homophobic and frightening messages" were said to have been sent by Labour members to the MP.

It is understood that even before she announced that she was challenging Mr Corbyn for the leadership she was subjected to homophobic abuse at the constituency party's annual meeting.

Ms Eagle welcomed Mr Corbyn's decision to attend a meeting of the NEC's disciplinary sub-committee on Tuesday, where the report was to be considered, and to speak out in support of its findings.

"The report by national party officers comprehensively explains what happened earlier this year and the NEC has accepted the findings," she said in a statement.

"I am grateful that Jeremy took the unusual step of both attending and speaking in the meeting and that he expressed sincere sympathy for both me and for my staff.

"It is now clear and accepted by the NEC that homophobic abuse was perpetrated by some members of the local party.

"I will simply not tolerate it, and I know I have the backing of both Jeremy and union leaders when I say that there is no place for it in the Labour movement either.

"As regards the vandalism of my office, I am grateful to both the internal investigators and the NEC for making clear both the facts of the matter and for the support of members up and down the country, including the leader of the Labour Party, that such abuse both happened and is intolerable."

It is understood the Wallasey CLP will remain suspended until a review next spring and that a number of local activists could face disciplinary action in the new year.