Man arrested after 'threat' issued against Health minister Robin Swann

Q Radio news

Police are investigating an apparent threat made against Northern Ireland's Health minister. 

Comments appeared online about Robin Swann on Friday night relating to his response to the Covid-19 crisis. 

Police don't comment on individual's security but they have confirmed a man was arrested in Ballymena yesterday.

A statement said "Police are investigating after threatening and offensive comments were made on a social media platform on Friday 03 April.

"A 26 year old man was arrested in the Ballymena area on Sunday 05 April on suspicion of improper use of telecommunications causing anxiety and subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries.

 "The investigation is ongoing."

Just last week the Minister spoke at a press conference, saying any health staff should not be abused or critisised. 

He said "My skin is thick enough to take any abuse anyone wants to throw at me, because i'll not be distracted from the work that we're doing. 

"I'll not be allowing my department to be distracted from the work that it's doing because we've done a lot of good work in a very, very short space of time. 

"So, We'll keep doing what we're doing. We've seen abuse towards our nurses, domiscillary workers and towards our pharmacists, and if people want to throw abuse at me and leave them all alone, abuse me and throw abuse at me all you want. But, leave our staff alone to do the job that they're doing."

The Department of Health said "The Department can confirm that a threatening communication was received by the Minister via social media. This matter has been passed to the police. The Department will not be making any further comment."

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.

Solidarity to Robin and his family.

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) April 6, 2020