By Michael McHugh
Ulster Unionist Jenny Palmer has called in police after coming under sustained attack on social media over her Assembly election result.
The former DUP member switched to the UUP in 2015 along with her husband John.
She lost her Stormont seat in Lagan Valley last week.
Mrs Palmer tweeted that she was feeling vulnerable.
Feeling vulnerable tonight! Sad some threaten democracy in ignorance. Thanks to PSNI for their support. Family 1st pic.twitter.com/80hpALhnrI
— jennifer palmer (@JennyP_59) March 7, 2017
"Sad some threaten democracy in ignorance.
"Thanks to PSNI for their support. Family 1st."
She defected to the UUP following the Red Sky scandal after claiming she had been bullied.
She won a seat for the UUP in Lagan Valley at the last election, but lost out this time round.
UUP Assembly member Robin Swann said she had been the victim of sustained attack on social media over her election result.
"I would actually ask those other politicians who have stoked up that anger to take a minute of time and reflect and possibly call on those who are attacking Jenny and John at this minute in time to take a step back and reflect on those comments."
13 year boy dies following quad bike crash near Newry
Man appears in court charged over head-on collision which killed father and son
Remains of 300-year-old building complex unearthed by chance on country estate
Fresh Met Office warning for icy conditions across Northern Ireland
Community still in shock over deaths of father and son, funeral told