Man arrested over Twitter bomb threat ahead of Portsmouth's play-off game against Sunderland

A MAN has been arrested over an online threat to kill Portsmouth fans in a bomb attack ahead of their play-off match with Sunderland tonight.

North Yorkshire police took a 22-year-old Northallerton man into custody in the early hours after social media threats relating to the fixture at Fratton Park, according to The Telegraph's Gareth Davies.

Tweets posted by @Kieran30971361 referred to the Manchester Bombing and killing 150 Portsmouth fans.

The Twitter user wrote: “I wounder how many Portsmouth fans I can shoot everyone remember the Manchester arena bombing just imagine fratton park going bang well let’s find out tomorrow."

Followed by: “Bomb bomb fratton park went bang the Portsmouth fans all died Haha going to be fun tomorrow headline news.”

The account has since been suspended, with Pompey due to carry out extra security checks at Fratton Park before the League One semi-final second leg.

A club statement read: “The club would like to reassure fans that there will be enhanced security checks in place for Thursday’s play-off match against Sunderland at Fratton Park.

“Due to these checks, all supporters with tickets are advised to arrive in plenty of time to make sure they are inside the stadium for the start of the game.”

Sunderland take a 1-0 lead into the clash, which has seen further threats.

Another account @CookiePFC_ tweeted: “20 quid to anyone who can hit a family of Sunderland fans in the away end with a smoke bomb Thursday”.

Hampshire Constabulary added: “We are aware of threats made on social media regarding the football match between Sunderland and Portsmouth taking place in Portsmouth tomorrow.

“We are looking into these posts and want to assure the public that a sufficient policing response will be in place for the match tomorrow and that we are working alongside Portsmouth FC.”

 

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