An employee at a Shipley food store is being investigated by police over comments posted on Facebook regarding Sobia Yousef’s death in the nearby Asda supermarket.

Shortly after the tragedy a Facebook posting appeared under the account of Danny Johnson, an employee of Fultons Foods in Market Square.

The post made racist comments, mocked Mrs Yousef’s death and claimed the closure of Asda in the hours following had been good for Fultons, which is only a few minutes’ walk from the supermarket.

It said: “Should make my sales target this week! Haha.” The post goes on to say a “nice bonus” would follow because of the shop’s increased business.

“It then reads: “possibly the best morning I could have had without naked females been involved.” It ends: “I’ll laugh at owt me, sick int’ head.”

Yesterday the company revealed it had removed Mr Johnson from the store as soon as it was alarted to the comments and West Yorkshire Police confirmed it was investigating the postings.

Hundreds of people on the social media site have condemned the comments.

Barnsley-based Fultons has apologised for the distress the comments had caused and stressed they did not reflect the views of the company.

It was yesterday in the process of replying to everyone who has directly complained to it.

And such was the angry reaction to the comments, that it had to call the police after threats were made to staff and the store.

Mike Hinchliffe, operations manager for the company, said yesterday: “The individual concerned was removed from the workplace. The police are also aware of the individual’s actions.

“The company in no way condones any of the comments made by the individual and we are disgusted by the content. These are one individual’s comments and are not reflective of the views of the company in any way.

“We understand these comments will cause great offence and distress and as a company we apologise for this individual’s totally unacceptable behaviour.

“Unfortunately the company is now experiencing an unwarranted backlash which includes threats being made to both company personnel and property. This is unwarranted and due to the severity, has been reported to the police.”

Police Community Support Officers have visited the store and Inspector Sue Sanderson said: “We are aware of the comments which have been posted on social media and are investigating.”

Steve Huison, star of The Full Monty and Coronation Street, lives in Shipley and works with local mental health charities. He said: “Having read about the possible explanations for why this poor woman took her life I think these comments are outrageous.”

Councillor Imdad Hussain (Peace Party, Heaton), who attended Mrs Yousef’s funeral yesterday, said: “How can someone be so idiotic as to make such remarks when someone has just passed away? It is really sickening.

“While it is obviously not Fultons’ fault, I hope they take full disciplinary action against the individual responsible.”