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Plaid Cymru councillor's 'anti-English' gun photo investigated by police

Social Media Councillor Jon Scriven's Facebook post showed him holding a gunSocial Media
Councillor Jon Scriven has apologised and said his now deleted Facebook post was "ill-judged"

Police are investigating a social media post which appeared to show a Plaid Cymru councillor posing with a gun to make sure there weren't "any English people trying to cross the channel".

Jon Scriven, who sits on Caerphilly council, later deleted the photo and caption on Facebook and has apologised.

Plaid said the post was inappropriate and that he has been suspended pending an investigation.

South Wales Police said an allegation of "malicious communications" was made.

Officers said they were " aware of a post on social media featuring a man brandishing what looks like a rifle at Ogmore-by-Sea".

'Ill-judged'

Supt Michelle Conquer added: "An allegation of malicious communications has been reported to us and we are investigating the matter."

Mr Scriven's picture caption read: "Ogmore-by-Sea tonight for a quick swim and make sure there wasn't (sic) any English people trying to cross the channel."

Mr Scriven later admitted the post was "ill-judged".

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Labour's Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly, Hefin David, described the post as "incredibly concerning".

"We should be seeking to unite people and address real concerns like the cost of living, not post disturbing images that are calculated to divide us," he added.

'Xenophobic attitude'

Andrew RT Davies, the leader of the Welsh Conservative group in the Senedd, tweeted that he was "speechless" and he called on Plaid to act.

"This sort of xenophobic attitude is beneath us," he wrote.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats, which had earlier called on Plaid to suspend the councillor, added: "Whether or not it was intended as a joke or not, it is entirely inappropriate for an elected official to make such comments, when they should know better."

Mr Scriven, who represents the Penyrheol ward, said he has apologised "for any offence caused by my now deleted Facebook post".

Plaid said: "Councillor Scriven's now deleted post was inappropriate and goes against Plaid Cymru's views and values.

"He was right to apologise for any offence caused.

"All Plaid Cymru elected representatives have a duty to uphold the highest standards.

"Councillor Scriven has been suspended pending an investigation."