POLICE have launched an investigation amid allegations that a juror at a trial was approached via social media.

The trial Mold Crown Court was halted on Tuesday and the jury was discharged.

The following day the court was told police officers were investigating allegations of perverting the course of justice amid claims that a person sitting in the public gallery had taken down the names of the jury members as they were being sworn in and later approached a female juror via Facebook.

Prosecuting barrister Mark Connor said it had also been alleged that the complainant had been the subject of before trial threats via social media.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said it was a matter of great concern.

"This is very unusual in Mold," he said, adding: "I will not have trials derailed in this way."

Prosecuting barrister Mark Connor said the police were investigating the possibility of a conspiracy to interfere with the course of justice "involving a number of individuals".

It was very concerning, he said.

A defendant from Denbigh was remanded in custody until Friday when the judge said the situation would be reviewed.