Woman bailed pending further enquiries into inaccurate social media post

A 55-year-old woman from Chester has now been bailed pending further enquiries.

A woman from Chester, who was arrested in relation to a social media post containing inaccurate information about the identity of the attacker in the Southport murders, has now been bailed pending further enquiries.

The 55-year-old woman, from near Chester, was arrested on Thursday 8th August on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred (S19 of the Public Order Act 1986) and false communications (S179 Online Safety Act 2023).

Chief Superintendent Alison Ross said at the time:

“We have all seen the violent disorder that has taken place across the UK over the past week, much of which has been fuelled by malicious and inaccurate communications online.

“It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of posting information on social media platforms without checking the accuracy. It also acts as a warning that we are all accountable for our actions, whether that be online or in person.”