Coronavirus: Robin Swann receives 'threatening' messages

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Health Minister Robin Swann

A man has been arrested after "threatening and offensive comments" were made against Robin Swann.

The comments about the health minister were posted on social media on Friday.

A 26-year-old was arrested in Ballymena, County Antrim, on Sunday, on suspicion of improper use of telecommunications causing anxiety.

He has subsequently been released on bail pending further inquiries and police say the investigation is ongoing.

There has been widespread condemnation of the abuse from politicians.

'Vile sectarian abuse'

Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said Mr Swann "is working hard to protect the public and online abuse will not deter him".

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said there was "no place for this nonsense as we work together to save lives".

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "Robin Swann is working night and day to reduce the impact of coronavirus on our communities.

"The vile sectarian abuse and threats that he and his family have been subjected to are disgusting and those responsible must be held accountable."

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Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Steve Aiken described the threats received by his party colleague as a 鈥渄isgusting attack on someone who is doing their very best for everybody in Northern Ireland鈥.

鈥淲e cannot allow this kind of thing to happen,鈥 Steve Aiken told the 成人快手's Nolan Show.

"It鈥檚 not just an attack on Robin, it鈥檚 an attack on our whole system, it鈥檚 an attack on our health service, it鈥檚 an attack on our healthcare."

DUP assembly member Christopher Stalford .

"Robin Swann is doing what in normal circumstances is one of the hardest jobs in government. He is doing so during a global pandemic," he added.

The Department of Health confirmed there had been "threatening communication received by the minister via social media" but said it would not comment further now that the matter had been passed on to police.