Man arrested over abusive tweets after terror attack

POLICE have arrested a man after abusive comments about the Finsbury Park attack were made on social media.

South Wales Police detained the 37-year-old after a tweet was posted stating: “shame they don’t hire out steam rollers or tanks could have done a tidy job then”.

The man behind the tweet is alleged to be Richard Evans, the son of one of the directors of Pontyclun Van Hire – whose vehicle was used in the attack.

Comments by a ‘Richard Gear Evans’ on Facebook and Twitter read: “It’s a shame that van was a nice drive as well... Glad I’m not running the van hire the police wouldn’t like what my answer would be. It’s my Dad’s company I don’t get involved it’s a shame they don’t hire out a Steam Rollers or Tanks could have done a tidy job then.”

The comments and account profiles for ‘Richard Gear Evans’ appear to have since been deleted.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: “A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of displaying threatening abusive / insulting written material with intent / likely to stir up racial hatred. He is currently in police custody.”

Len Evans, the father of Richard Evans, runs Pontyclun Van Hire, with four brothers.

“I want to condemn in the strongest possible terms these ill-considered Twitter comments, which in no way reflect my own view or indeed those of anyone else in the family,” he said.

“The attack in Finsbury Park was shocking and cowardly. Together with all the staff at Pontyclun Van Hire, I am doing everything I can to assist the Metropolitan Police in their inquiries.”

Co-director Paul Evans said company staff and directors were “horrified” by what his nephew had written.

“I’d like to make it clear that my nephew Richard is not involved in any way in this company, and all of us here were horrified by his despicable comments,” he said.

“The directors have written to Finsbury Park mosque and all those affected by this crime to offer our sympathy on behalf of all our staff, and to thank them for their calm response.”

Richard Evans works as a driver for haulage company Eddie Stobart.

A spokesman for the firm said: “We can confirm that we are aware of the reprehensible remarks made by Richard Gear Evans on social media.

“These remarks in no way reflect the view of Eddie Stobart Logistics and we have taken immediate action.”