Man arrested over sectarian threats against Stormont health minister

A man has been arrested over online sectarian threats made against Stormont health minister Robin Swann.

A pro-IRA slogan was sent via social media.

Police said they were investigating “offensive” comments posted on Friday.

Mr Swann has been leading the battle against coronavirus.

A 26-year-old was detained in the Ballymena, Co Antrim, area on Sunday on suspicion of improper use of telecommunications causing anxiety and later released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement said: “The investigation is ongoing.”

The force added: “Police are investigating after threatening and offensive comments were made on a social media platform on Friday 03 April.”

Mr Swann is a former leader of the Ulster Unionists and represents North Antrim at the Stormont Assembly.

He said he appreciated the support shown to him in the aftermath of the threat.

The minister said: “I’d rather people abuse me than abuse the frontline staff within the health service. I didn’t expect it to go to the length that it did, but that’s where we are in society at this minute in time.

“Police have acted swiftly and we’ll wait and see how that works its way through.

“I am personally heartened by the demonstration of support that I have, but I’m not taking that as support for me personally but I’m taking that as a sign of support for all our health service workers no matter where they are, should they be in community pharmacies, should they be working behind the scenes to make sure our health service works, should it be frontline nurses, GPs and domiciliary care workers, that sign of support today is a sign of endorsement and support from the entire community for the work that they are doing.”

UUP leader Steve Aiken said: “It is utterly despicable that threats that were blatantly intimidating and sectarian were made against our exceptionally hard-working and dedicated health minister.”

He called on all Stormont Executive ministers to come out and condemn it.

DUP First Minister Arlene Foster said: “This is vile and disgusting.

“Especially at a time when we are focused on protecting life and getting Northern Ireland through Covid-19.”

Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The disgraceful abuse and threats against health minister Robin Swann are to be condemned.

“In very turbulent and challenging times, there is no place for this nonsense as we work together to save lives.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the minister was working “night and day” to reduce the impact of coronavirus on communities.

He said: “The vile sectarian abuse and threats that he and his family have been subjected to are disgusting and those responsible must be held accountable.”