Friday 14 November 2014 17:15, UK
Police have launched an investigation into abusive tweets about Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill after her intervention in the controversy over Ched Evans' possible return to Sheffield United.
Ennis-Hill said she would ask for her name to be removed from the Bramall Lane stand named in her honour if the Blades decided to re-sign Evans, who is out on licence after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman.
Evans has returned to training with Sheffield United, the club he played for before being convicted of the crime in 2012, although the Blades have stopped short of offering him a new deal.
A statement from the police force read: "South Yorkshire Police can confirm they are investigating reports of abusive tweets.
"Officers are making efforts to contact the individual concerned, but have launched an investigation into the posts."
The Bramall Lane stand was re-named after Ennis-Hill, a Blades fan, following her Olympic success in 2012.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ennis-Hill said: “I believe being a role model to young people is a huge honour and those in positions of influence in communities should respect the role they play in young people’s lives and set a good example.
“If Evans was to be re-signed by the club, it would completely contradict these beliefs."
