It comes after millionaire mum Bonnie Spofforth said she was 'mortified' to be accused of being the first to spread the false rumours.

The woman accused of being first to spread the fake rumours about the Southport killer which sparked nationwide riots has been arrested.

Racist riots spread across the country after misinformation spread on social media claiming the fatal stabbing was carried out by Ali Al-Shakati, believed to be a fictitious name, a Muslim aslyum seeker who was on an MI6 watchlist.

A 55-year-old woman from Chester has now been arrested on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred, and false communication. She remains in police custody.

Chief Superintendent Alison Ross said: ‘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.

  • @iAvicenna
    21•1 month ago

    its not consequences until it starts affecting her, which in this case did. I hope other people jointly sue her for damages or sth so that at least she has to go to court and pay lawyer fees

    • @Treczoks
      14•1 month ago

      I hope other people jointly sue her for damages

      Now that would be interesting to see. With a dynamically updating billboard tallying her dues under the title “Hateful spread of online lies cost this woman GBP xxx”

      • Echo Dot
        10•1 month ago

        She owes me £30 since one of the rioters stole my wheelie bin, and I’m still annoyed about it. They made a big pile of everyone’s bins at the end of the street and melted them all, twats.

        Edit: also the racism is bad too I suppose.

        • @Treczoks
          5•1 month ago

          Well, submit a claim. Every pound of pain helps bringing the point home.