Woman arrested for inaccurate social media posts about Southport knife attacker's identity

A woman has been arrested for posting false information on social media about the identity of the suspect in the Southport stabbings.

The 55-year-old from near Chester was arrested on Thursday. He is accused of publishing written material to incite racial hatred and spread false information.

After three young girls were stabbed to death during a Taylor Swift dance class last week, British police issued warnings about a “false” name for the suspect and a false story about his past being circulated online.

The woman is being held by Cheshire Police and is assisting officers with their investigation.

Chief Superintendent Alison Ross said: “We have all seen the violent unrest that has taken place across the UK over the past week, much of which has been fuelled by malicious and inaccurate communications online.”

“It is a stark reminder of the dangers of posting information on social media platforms without verifying its accuracy.

“It also serves as a warning that we are all responsible for our actions, whether online or in person.”

Several experts said this misinformation was used by a “vocal minority” to sow discord, “pursue their own agenda and spark a summer of impulsive uprisings” after violent unrest in the days since the attack.

Since the murders, right-wing extremist riots have occurred across the UK. 483 people have been arrested on suspicion of violent riots. The target of the attacks was a mosque in Southport.