Man charged over April comments

A British man has been charged with posting offensive comments on Facebook about missing youngster April Jones.

Matthew Wood (20) from Eaves Lane, Chorley, Lancashire, will appear at the town’s magistrates’ court tomorrow morning.

He was arrested yesterday and charged under Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 with sending by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive.

The charge comes after comments he allegedly made were posted online on his Facebook account.

Earlier today, hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects as an emotional service took place for the five-year-old who went missing on Monday night from near her home in Machynlleth, mid Wales.

April, who has cerebral palsy, was playing out late on her bicycle as a treat for a glowing school report when she disappeared.

Former lifeguard Mark Bridger (46) was charged yesterday with the abduction and murder of April.

PA