Eight arrested in Cheshire for posting internet riot messages

Aug 11 2011 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

A MAN from Chester was one of eight people arrested under suspicion of inciting public disorder after riot comments were posted on the internet.

As looters rampaged in other parts of the UK on Tuesday night, officers on patrol in Chester confirmed that there were no incidents in the city centre, Ellesmere Port or Cheshire Oaks – despite the fact that social networking sites were awash with messages warning of looting, fires and riots.

Jacqui Hanson of Cheshire Police said: “Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of inciting public disorder following postings on social networking sites.

“Two further arrests have been made in connection with anti-social behaviour and a number of young people have been spoken to with their parents, and advice given regarding entries on social networking sites, or comments passed via Twitter.

“Police will continue to monitor on line activity, and call to account anyone who appears to be promoting criminality.”

Among the arrests were:

A 23-year-old man from Blacon arrested on suspicion of inciting public disorder and later released without charge.

A 24-year-old man from Runcorn and two 22-year-old men from Warrington kept in police custody assisting with enquiries.

Jordan Blackshaw, 20, from Northwich, who has appeared in court charged with intentionally encouraging the commission of an offence and bailed to appear at Chester Crown Court on September 19.

A 13-year-old boy from Warrington released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Two other men, both from Warrington, aged 17 and 18, released without charge.

Police have said they will maintain ‘a robust approach’ to anyone suspected of being engaged in, or inciting, public disorder. All police on annual leave have also had their holiday cancelled.

Although committed to assisting other forces, they insisted this will not impact on their normal operational response and that people who use social networking sites as a means of inciting unlawful behaviour will be traced and brought before the courts.

A statement was also released by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, who are working alongside Cheshire Police, saying there was ‘no definite intelligence’ to suggest that riots or disorder are likely to occur in Cheshire.