By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 11:55, Thursday, 05 July 2012

A TEENAGER has been questioned by the police after he allegedly posted online racist abuse about a Big Brother contestant.

The 18-year-old, from Whitehaven, was taken into custody yesterday morning on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence after the Twitter message was brought to the attention of police by an online racism watchdog.

The tweet, which was posted this week, allegedly includes a racist slur against the reality television show contestant Deana Uppal – the reigning Miss India UK.

The 23-year-old model, from Birmingham, has been at the centre of a bullying row during the series currently being broadcast on Channel Five.

Ofcom received almost 1,000 complaints about scenes broadcast on the show, in which Northern Irish personal trainer Conor McIntyre lost his temper with Deana.

He launched a tirade of foul-mouthed abuse at her, which culminated in a threat to punch her. Deana was left in tears by the verbal attack, telling bosses she felt “bullied”.

Deana has infuriated housemates with her lack of domesticity – her mother has done everything for her and she employs servants in India, so she has no idea how to wash up or cook.

The tweet attracted the attention of Twitter user Racism Reporter.

The suspect has been released and a file sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

First published at 11:54, Thursday, 05 July 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk