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The BBC has been blasted for trying to find someone who would talk about 'why the Welsh language should die'.

A researcher for Radio 5 live tweeted the request to Oli Dugmore, the editor of university news site The Tab.

In the past he has argued that money should not be thrown into the 'sewer' of Welsh.

The question sparked a Twitter storm as Welsh language supporters lashed out.

The BBC has apologised for any offence caused by "an inappropriate tweet".

The original tweet has now been deleted but a screenshot was taken of it.

In her Twitter bio, Sam Proffitt describes herself as a "broadcast researcher for BBC Radio 5 Live".

The tweet was instantly met with criticism as with Plaid leader Leanne Wood calling on the BBC to take steps to "stop this nonsense".

Former Plaid Cymru chief executive Rhuanedd Richards asked: "Can you explain how this question conforms to the impartiality required by BBC editorial guidelines?"

Former BBC journalist and current Plaid Cymru AM for Anglesey Rhun ap Iorwerth said he was aghast at his former employers.

He tweeted: “Gobsmacked (at) the BBC. “Why the Welsh language should die.” I pay a licence fee. @bbc5live please explain.

“My language isn’t a hobby, or an option. It’s my soul.

“The air that I breathe. To discuss ‘wanting’ my language to die? Can’t put in words.”

Plaid Cymru AM for Dwyfor Meirionnydd tweeted: “Welsh is my children’s first language. How can you condone this (BBC)?”

A spokesperson for BBC Radio 5 live said: "We aired a broad discussion about non-English languages. We obviously wanted to reflect a full range of views. In seeking to do this, an inappropriate tweet was sent from a personal account. We're sorry for any offence caused."