POLICE have responded after false social media claims that they arrested a man for “waving a Union flag”.
In an incident which took place in Liverpool city centre on Sunday, police were filmed arresting a man holding a Union flag while a pro-Palestine march took place.
One social media user claimed: “The police have arrested a man for waving the Union flag near people waving Palestinian flags. On our streets.”
Police once again arrest a man for waving a Union Flag (🇬🇧) at a Pro-Palestine protest.
— Turning Point UK 🇬🇧 (@TPointUK) February 6, 2024
It appears you can wave any foreign flag or even flags support terrorism, just not our own.
The British police are a joke. pic.twitter.com/5SaHVyWqf2
Right-wing campaign group Turning Point UK wrote: “Police once again arrest a man for waving a Union flag at a pro-Palestine protest.
“It appears you can wave any foreign flag or even flags [that] support terrorism, just not our own. The British police are a joke.”
Police have now confirmed that the arrest was not because of the flag, but because the man was shouting “abusive” language at the protesters.
They said a 50-year-old had been arrested on suspicion of “a racially aggravated public order offence and homophobic abuse”.
In a statement, Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm a 50-year-old man was arrested during a march, which took place in Liverpool city centre on Sunday, 4 February.
“Liverpool Friends of Palestine Group were marching through the city centre, and as the procession reached the junction of Hanover Street and Church Street a man shouted offensive language at the protestors. There has been speculation on social media that the man, who comes from Orrell Park, was arrested for flying the Union Jack. This is incorrect.
“As result of the abusive language he was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and homophobic abuse. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.”
The statement went on: “If you have information on any form of hate crime you can contact Merseyside to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
“You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“If, for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK to run a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org. You can also download the Stop Hate UK reporting app on Google Play or the Apple App Store.”
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