POLICE are appealing for information after reports a group of youths attacked an innocent man in Rainhill this week.

As reported yesterday, Merseyside Police sent out a serious warning about the dangers of misinformation after a man was wrongly accused of attempting to abduct a child in Whiston.

Allegations that a man attempted to abduct and take pictures of a child were completely false, police say, but a social media post continued to spread across the community and the man was "assaulted" by a group of youths.

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Police were called to the incident at Penny Pit Park in Rainhill, on Wednesday, June 7, where a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of taking indecent images of a child and taken into custody.

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

Following the assault, police are now appealing for any witnesses from the reported assault in Rainhill as they attempted to trace the youths involved.

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

Police statement

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."