IN the rough and tumble of the world of newspapers journalists can expect to find themselves on the receiving end of some bitter words.

For the most part these must be shrugged away. Journalists need thick skins if they are to carry out their jobs, particularly in an investigative role.

Today, however, we take the unusual step of revealing the content and nature of threats made against this newspaper following an investigation into alleged sharp practices in second-hand car dealing. We do so because the threats made clearly step beyond the line of what is an acceptable exchange between an investigator and someone who is, perhaps not surprisingly, unhappy at having their affairs exposed.

It is also important, we would contend, to show the kind of characters at the heart of our investigation into this issue.

In the case of one dealer there are already allegations of threats that have been reported to the police. There are other allegations that customers with complaints have been subjected to bully-boy tactics. These may have worked in the past, but the Daily Echo is not about to be cowed by bullies. We are big enough to stand up for ourselves and fight also for those who often cannot find a voice.

There is still time for car dealers Richard Burbage and Stan Rudgley to meet with customers who say they are owed money and fulfill the promises made in the last few weeks to meet their obligations. Choosing instead to vanish into the night and then threaten this paper when it exposes their methods is foolish.

By picking on us, Messrs Burbage and Rudgley have chosen the wrong fight with the wrong opponents.