Campbell takes action after Facebook abuse

The sites, contained on social networking site, Facebook, sprouted up last weekend and attack Mr Campbell for his comments following the release of the Saville Report last week.

Whilst the MP initially informed the Sentinel of the existence of one site last Friday-more sites sprang up over last weekend.

The Facebook site allows open comment on any given topic that is viewable by all internet users across the globe. One of the sites set up against the DUP man is called : "This group is for people who agree that Gregory Campbell is a sectarian bigot."

By Monday morning this particular site had gathered almost 700 members.

Another one of the sites was called: "If you think Gregory Campbell needs a lobotomy hit the like button."

Some comments alluded to 'knowing where the MP lived', to stating that he would be attacked on his next appearance on the city side.

Other posts contain raw sectarian commentary expressed in language too strong to print in a newspaper.

Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle, Gregory Campbell said he had been notified by a members of the public of the existence of a single website and initially didn't pay too much attention to it. However, when further sites began to appear he was prompted to take action.

He said: "There was a picture of me with a Swastika flag in the background. I have a bullet hole in my forehead with the blood running down my face.

"As this was spiralling out of control I decided I would go to the police and issue a statement and I have done this."

The MP hit back at some of those who posted comments on the sites saying that they "obviously hadn't spend too much time at school.

"The matter now rests between and the administrators of the site."

The MP for Foyle, Mark Durkan condemned the behaviour by saying: "It is absolutely wrong to wish or suggest violence on anyone.

"Obviously I have my own differences with some of what Gregory had said in the aftermath of the Saville Report. But nobody should be using any images of violence or any untoward language of this threatening and offensive nature."

In response to Mr Campbell's complaints, Facebook issued the following statement: "We have reviewed the activity of these groups and have not found them in breach of our statement of rights and responsibilities.

"It is within the terms of the site for users to express their views about a public figure. Any content or users found to be in violation of our terms will be removed."