Police Confirm Arrests To Be Made Over Twitter Rape Victim Naming

North Wales Police have confirmed that arrests will be made after several Twitter users named the rape victim in the Ched Evans trial.

On Sunday a large number of Twitter users mentioned the name of the victim to the extent where it was trending at one point.

After witnessing several Twitter users from Wrexham amongst those naming the woman on Sunday we issued the following warning from our @wrexham account: “North Wales Police investigating & collating info on those naming victim in Ched Evans trial. We can see 3 from Wrexham. Dont do it #illegal”

Under the Sexual Offences Act victims of rape and other sexual assaults are guaranteed the right to lifetime anonymity.

Those involved could risk a fine or even a jail sentence as police look to stop the offenders.

Many users tried to delete their tweets, but others took screenshots of the offending messages and passed them on to police.

ACC Gareth Pritchard said: “North Wales Police will seek to ensure that the legal anonymity of victims in rape cases under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, is protected and those who commit offences in this regard will be brought before the criminal justice system.

“We wish to reassure victims of serious sexual offences of our continuing determination to support them.”

Update: Thursday 15.00

Police have made three arrests relating to the naming of the victim in the Ched Evans case.

Two men have been arrested under Section 5 of the Sexual Offences Amendments Act and another male has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communication.

All three men are being detained by South Yorkshire Police at Sheffield police station where they are being interviewed by North Wales Police officers.

North Wales Police DCI Steve Williams said: “These arrests were made with the assistance of South Yorkshire Police and are part of a series of planned arrests we will be making during this on going investigation.”