AN investigation is under way into online comments apparently made by the head of a reality TV family against a neighbour he was convicted of abusing.

Lancashire Police have launched an inquiry after being informed that a link had been posted from the Facebook page of Philip Chawner, father of former X Factor reject Emma, to that of his abuse victim Anny Duxbury.

Mrs Duxbury, a widow, is believed to have been left upset by a number of unsavoury e-mails she has already received in relation to the case.

Earlier this week the Chawners – Phillip, Emma and her older sister Samantha – were convicted of using threatening behaviour towards Mrs Duxbury, who lives opposite the family in Russell Place, Great Harwood.

The Chawners, formerly from Ramsbottom, subjected the widow to foul-mouthed abuse as she pruned her roses, Preston magistrates were told.

And after the trio were convicted, JPs also imposed a restraining order, banning any contact between the family and The Chawners for 12 months.

But the following day Mr Chawner, 57, told followers on the social media site that the family had been ‘set up’.

He also alleged that they had not been treated fairly because Mrs Duxbury was a magistrate herself.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said that an officer had been made aware of the comments and was currently investigating to see whether the restraining order had been breached.

A family spokesman confirmed that the messages had been passed to the police.

He added: “Anny suffers serious long-term health conditions and continues to be extremely upset.

“She would like to thank the police and in particular their witness support officer.

“She has been very humbled at the vast amount of messages of support she has received, both during and following the recent court case, from friends, neighbours and indeed, from people all over the world.”