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.

  • Mechanize@feddit.itEnglish
    1·
    6 months ago

    While she has not been named in the police statement about the arrest, it is believed to be Bonnie Spofforth

    This, I don’t like. If you - the newspaper, the means of information - are not sure about a name you should really refrain from using it.

    It would be not the first time people get their lives ruined by some careless journalist because of a namesake or just an error.

    It’s not that different from “spreading rumors”.

    That aside, in this case, it is probably a rumor from an inside source. Still. Not a fan.