Undercover officer felt security guard was ‘imminent threat’ to Holly Willoughby

The witness recalled being sent an image of what he described as an “abduction kit”, telling the Chelmsford Crown Court: “At that point in the conversation it was quite alarming”

Gavin Plumb denies masterminding a plot to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

An undercover officer who discussed the alleged rape, kidnap and murder of Holly Willoughby with a security guard online engaged with him as he felt there was an “imminent threat” to the TV star, a court heard.

The officer, who has been granted anonymity to protect his and his family’s safety and “his effectiveness as an undercover officer”, said he had to find out who Ms Willoughby was while speaking with Gavin Plumb.