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Detectives probe rape threat against journalist’s 10-year-old daughter

Suzanne BreenA threat to rape a journalist’s 10-year-old daughter has sparked a police investigation.

Detectives are probing the threat, made against the daughter of Belfast Telegraph political editor Suzanne Breen.

The threat was made on Twitter after Suzanne posted a photograph of the girl online to celebrate her achieving an ‘A’ in the transfer test, which is used to decide entrance to grammar schools in Northern Ireland.

Suzanne, pictured, has praised the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s response to the issue but has criticised Twitter’s lack of it.

Posting on the site on Sunday, she said: “I posted a pic of my 10-yr-old daughter jumping with joy on receiving an ‘A’ in her transfer test yesterday.

“A sick account then trolled me, threatening to rape her and do other vile things to her. I made a statement to PSNI today & hope perpetrator will be identified & prosecuted.

“Twitter took some time to remove the horrendous tweets and account. I hope they will help identify the perpetrator.

“The PSNI response has been exceptional. Thanks to everybody who has been in contact about these threats. Your support is hugely appreciated.”

Fellow journalist Patricia Devlin, who faced a threat of rape made against her newborn son online, has been among those to support Suzanne.

She wrote: “It’s sad that social media has become so toxic that we can’t even celebrate our children without being targeted with sick and depraved tweets by individuals who clearly should be locked up. Twitter. Do more, do better to stop this.”

Detective Inspector Carol Dane, of PSNI, told HTFP: “Police have received a report of grossly offensive comments made on social media and an investigation has now been launched.”

HTFP has approached Twitter for a comment.