Countdown’s Rachel Riley threatens action against ‘horrendous abuse’ online

Countdown co-presenter Rachel Riley has threatened legal action against Twitter users who allegedly targeted her with “horrendous abuse” and harassment.

She has repeatedly clashed with Labour supporters, particularly over Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of anti-Semitism allegations within Labour ranks.

Her lawyer on Thursday said he was preparing to take potential action against up to 70 people for alleged libel or harassment of Riley and ex-EastEnders actor Tracy Ann Oberman.

Riley said: “I have been advised by my solicitor that it would be inappropriate to make any comment.

“He is instructed to take such action as necessary in response to the horrendous abuse, libel and harassment that I have been subjected to.”

Lawyer Mark Lewis said he was contacting “between 60 and 70 people” who are “almost exclusively Labour supporters”.

He said: “I have been instructed by Rachel Riley and Tracy Ann Oberman to take action to enforce libel and harassment laws against people who have libelled and/or harassed them.”

Both have been left “quite clearly distressed” by the comments, he added.

Mr Corbyn this week reiterated that fighting anti-Semitism was an “absolute priority”, adding: “We are utterly determined to root out anti-Semitism from Party and our society.”