POLICE are warning users of social media that online racism will not be tolerated after a south Wirral man was arrested on suspicion of posting racist comments on Facebook.

Cheshire Police is warning users that they may be investigated for posting any messages which are racist or contain religious material.

A 36-year-old man from Ellesmere Port was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of distributing written material online to stir up racial hatred in relation to offensive comments about the town’s mosque.

While the man has now been released with no further action expected to take place, Cheshire Police is continuing its warning.

PC Liam Smithies said: “We will continue to proactively target those who think it is acceptable to cause distress and fear of harm on social media sites.

"There is a difference between having an opinion and freedom of speech, and making threats or causing fear. Such behaviour will not be tolerated as it wouldn′t be tolerated on the streets so why should we tolerate it on social media.

"Anyone who chooses to post comments online which are racist, or contain religious hatred will be traced, investigated and where possible, prosecuted.

"This type of abuse is particularly hurtful to the victims and we want people to be aware that there will be consequences to their actions."

Cheshire Police urge anyone who has been a victim of racist or religiously motivated abuse, or who has witnessed racist or religiously motivated abuse, to report it to police on 101.