Man wrongly accused of taking images of a child assaulted in Rainhill

Earlier this week, a social media post gained traction after it alleged that a man attempted to abduct and take images of a child in Whiston, police say.

Officers located a man following an incident outside of a shop on Lynehamn on Tuesday, June 6, but no arrests were made.

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Wrongly accused man assaulted by group

Although no further action was taken by police, the social media post, which contained a photograph of the man accused, continued to gain traction and officers say he was "assaulted by a number of youths" in Rainhill the following day.

Police were called to the scene and a 27-year-old man from Rainhill was arrested on suspicion of taking indecent images of a child and taken into custody.

After a thorough investigation and review of CCTV and mobile phone data, officers have confirmed that no offences were committed and the man has been released with no further action.

A warning has now been issued to highlight the serious consequences of sharing misinformation on social media.

Police satisfied that no crime was committed

Superintendent for Knowsley Karl Baldwin said: “I firstly want to say that we are completely satisfied that no offence was committed or attempted by this man. He did nothing wrong.

"Following extensive CCTV enquiries and from speaking to the person who reported the crime, detectives have determined that the facts of the matter were misreported on social media, as is so often the case.

“This incident has had a significant impact on the life and wellbeing of this man, through no fault of his own.

“For months, police and partners have warned that misinformation and speculation online have real world consequences that put innocent people in harm’s way.

“Sadly, this case is an example of this danger. Online speculation, misinformation and sharing can actually damage the outcome of investigations and cause unnecessary fear and consequent behaviour, so I would continue to ask people to be mindful of the damage that such actions can cause. 

“Social media rumour, false information and speculation has clearly led to the assault of an innocent man and we are now carrying out a thorough investigation to find those involved and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“Violence and intimidation, regardless of how people attempt to justify it, is never the answer. We will do all we can to hold those that have in this case, accountable."

'Shocking and upsetting case'

Cllr Graham Morgan and Cllr David Baines (Leaders of Knowsley and St Helens Council respectively) issued a joint statement.

They said: “This is a really shocking and upsetting case where the life of a completely innocent individual has been detrimentally impacted as a direct result of misinformation being shared online. 

"This includes false allegations of criminal activity and inaccurate suggestions that this person is a member of the asylum seeker community living in temporary accommodation / hotels in the area. Neither of these things are true.

“It is crucially important that people understand that not everything they read online is accurate and they really should proceed with caution before accepting or sharing any information.

“Rumours and speculation can spread so quickly and sadly, we know only too well the potentially damaging consequences and devastating impact it can have on the individuals and groups within our community who are implicated.”

Police are appealing for further information on this incident, which happened around Penny's Pit Park in Rainhill, and are hoping to trace the group of youths who assaulted the man.

This can be reported to the police on Twitter at @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with any information with reference 587 of 7th June.