Man in custody over 'racist' tweets targeting Stan Collymore

Stan Collymore (GETTY IMAGES)

A man has been arrested after ex-footballer Stan Collymore was allegedly racially abused on Twitter.

The 21-year-old man was last night in police custody helping police with their investigation.

Northumbria Police said yesterday: "At 9.55am this morning police received a report of racist tweets and are carrying out inquiries to trace the person responsible."

They later added: "A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred and is currently in police custody helping police with their inquiries."

Yesterday the former Aston Villa striker took to his Twitter account to show his gratitude to the police for their "prompt response" to the problem.

He said: "Many thanks to Greater Manchester & Northumbria Police forces for their prompt response to racism on twitter."

PA