Ched Evans rape case: Nine Twitter naming suspects bailed

Wales and Sheffield United striker Ched Evans was jailed for five years

Nine people arrested in north Wales by police investigating the alleged naming of a rape victim on social media sites have been released on bail.

The comments were allegedly made after Sheffield United and Wales striker Ched Evans was jailed for raping a 19-year-old woman near Rhyl, Denbighshire.

Rape victims are legally entitled to anonymity for life.

North Wales Police said the five men and four women were bailed pending further inquiries.

The nine suspects - from Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire - were bailed until July.

Three men arrested in Sheffield last week, two under Section 5 of the Sexual Offences Amendments Act and a third on suspicion of malicious communication, have also been released on bail.

Evans was convicted of rape and jailed for five years at Caernarfon Crown Court on 20 April.

The 23-year-old footballer claimed the woman had consented to sex at a hotel in May 2011.

His lawyers say he intends to appeal.