Police probe internet threats

The sites, contained on social networking site, Facebook, sprouted up last weekend and attacked 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.

By Monday morning one 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 sinister comments alluded to 'knowing where the MP lived', and to stating that he would be attacked on his next appearance on the city side.

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

Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle earlier this week, Gregory Campbell said he had been notified by a member 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."

That particular photo has now been removed from the site.

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 Nazi poster with the bullet in my head spelled Nazi as 'Natzi' and they had spelled bigot as 'biggot'."

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 and difficulties with some of what Gregory had said in the aftermath of the Saville Report and David Cameron's statement.

"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.

"We want Facebook to be a place where people can openly discuss issues and express their views while respecting the rights and feelings of others.

"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."