Racial hatred arrest amid probe into protest rumours

A man has been arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred as part of investigations that police say are linked to social media rumours about protests in Birmingham on Monday.

The 49-year-old, who remains in custody, is also being held on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

West Midlands Police said his arrest followed investigations into content, on various social media platforms, that incited racial hatred, including an image of a man holding a firearm.

People gathered in the Bordesley Green area on Monday evening to show their opposition to a far-right march which did not take place, although while there were no clashes between groups, sporadic episodes of disorder broke out.

Police advised the public to consider the source of social media posts when forming judgment as to their veracity.

The force added: "We will not tolerate violence in our towns and cities, or tolerate those who use social media to encourage such violence."

Work continued, police said, to identify and detain those involved in criminal activities.

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