Arrest following online abuse

Officers have arrested a 27-year-old man from Hoylake on suspicion of online abuse.

The man was arrested on Thursday 30 January, on suspicion of racially and homophobically aggravated malicious communications, possession of offensive weapons and possession of a controlled drug Class B. He’s been taken to police station for questioning.

Detective Sergeant Sam White said: “Merseyside Police have today arrested a man and are in contact with the victim as our enquiries continue.

"We will always take reports of hate crime extremely seriously and want the public to feel reassured that we will do everything within our powers to ensure that those responsible for incidents of hate crime – whether committed in person or online - are dealt with.

"I would also like to remind social media users intent on committing hate crimes that any belief that they can maintain anonymity online are misplaced. Offences committed online, including malicious communications and any inappropriate behaviour, can be investigated.

"We would ask anyone with information on this incident call us quoting ref: 25000072093.”

Anyone with information on hate crime or malicious communications online is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.