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A tweet from an account in the name of Alfie Barker sent to Arter: “At least you didn't lose your kid."

It was then followed up by another to the midfielder, reading: “Big hype just for a disappointment like the 9 months leading up to your child’s birth."

In December last year Arter and his family suffered heartbreak when fiancee Rachel gave birth to the pair's stillborn daughter.

The horrific messages came after Arsenal’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Arter’s Bournemouth side last night.

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Bournemouth and Arter became aware of the offensive posts following the match and reported them directly to Twitter.

On Wednesday morning, the tweets were still available for public view on the social media site.

But the account's name has since changed to “got hacked”, the tweets have been deleted and the user has issued an apology.

It read: “I’m sorry for every comment made. I’d like to apologise to Harry Arter and his family for such disgraceful comments and I’m sorry…from the bottom of my heart.”

Barker played for Hitchin, who are in the Southern Football League's Premier Division, but is currently on loan at Spartan South Midlands League Division One side Codicote.

The club have since confirmed they have terminated Barker's contract.

In a statement, Hitchin said: "Alfie Barker was registered to play for Hitchin Town in the Southern League and has appeared only briefly for the club in the 2016-17 season.

"He has been playing at Langford and Codicote on a dual registration basis.

"The club adopts a responsible approach to social media and would expect any player connected to Hitchin Town to do likewise.

"In the light of the player’s irresponsible and anti-social behaviour, we are terminating Alfie Barker’s registration and relationship with the club with immediate effect.

"We would reiterate that Hitchin Town, as a community club with established links with various segments of the public, has been a long-time user of social media channels and expects all club stakeholders to use them appropriately."

Arter has a tattoo dedicated to the memory of his daughter, who died in December 2015.

An FA spokesman said: “The FA will be seeking the individual’s observations in relation to these postings via his social media account.”

Daily Star Online has contacted AFC Bournemouth and Dorset Police for comment.