More held in rape naming inquiry

Five men and four women, all from north Wales, were arrested and held for questioning at St Asaph police station, North Wales Police said.

This brings the total number of arrests to 12 after three men were arrested in South Yorkshire last week and later released on bail.

Those held yesterday were arrested on suspicion of malicious communication or under Section 5 of the Sexual Offences Amendments Act, or on suspicion of both offences, the force said.

A spokesman said three men and three women, from the Rhyl, Prestatyn and Llanddulas areas of North Wales, were arrested in early-morning raids and taken for questioning at St Asaph police station.

Another woman was arrested in Broughton, Flintshire, later in the morning and a man was arrested in Colwyn Bay. A fifth man was arrested in Abergele.

Sheffield United striker Evans was jailed for five years at Caernarfon Crown Court on April 20 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room. He plans to appeal against the verdict.

Following the conclusion of the trial, the victim of the rape was allegedly named and subjected to abuse on Twitter and other websites.

North Wales Police described the online comments as “profoundly disturbing” and said they contributed to the young woman’s “continued trauma”.

Rape and other sexual assault victims are guaranteed the legal right to lifetime anonymity.

Detective Sergeant Bob Halford, of North Wales Police, said yesterday: “We continue to be pro-active in this investigation and anticipate that further arrests will be made in the near future.”

Sheffield United defender Connor Brown was suspended by the club for derogatory comments he allegedly made about the victim on Twitter following the trial.