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.

While she has not been named in the police statement about the arrest, it is believed to be Bonnie Spofforth, a mother-of-three and the managing director of a clothing company.

    • Glytch@lemmy.worldEnglish
      43·
      5 months ago

      They know it’s her, they’re just shielding themselves from libel claims. The same way they’ll say “allegedly” until a conviction.

      • zaph@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        7·
        4 months ago

        If they were trying to shield themselves they could have not dropped a name. This is different than saying allegedly about someone who was arrested and the name released.

        • Glytch@lemmy.worldEnglish
          24·
          4 months ago

          True, but she also posted her lies publicly using her real name, so it isn’t as though her name isn’t already out there.

        • haunte@leminal.spaceEnglish
          6·
          4 months ago

          She was arrested. They named the person who was arrested. Why is this a problem for you?

    • gmtom@lemmy.worldEnglish
      31·
      4 months ago

      That’s not true at all.

      She literally made shit up out of nowhere with no evidence.

      The website is posting actual credible information based on available evidence I.e. journalism.

    • inbeesee@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      5 months ago

      But now internet people can harass her and the newspaper can make a little more money! /s