Wirral youth arrested over murder inquiry Facebook comments (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral youth arrested over murder inquiry Facebook comments

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A 17-year-old youth from Seacombe has been arrested on suspicion of making malicious comments in connection with the Hannah Windsor murder inquiry after allegedly sending a menacing message via Facebook to a 15-year-old girl.

The youth was arrested on Monday night after officers received a report from the victim that a threatening message had been sent to her on the social networking site.

The youth has been taken to a police station on Merseyside for questioning by detectives.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave McCaughrean, of Wirral CID, said: "It is wholly unacceptable for malicious and threatening messages to be sent via social networking sites and the Force works closely with network providers and sites to take action against those responsible.

"An offence is committed as soon as a message is sent so it does not even have to reach the intended recipient, and it can be reported by anyone who is grossly offended by it, not neccessarily just the victim.

"Anyone guilty of an offence can be jailed for up to six months and fined, leaving them with a criminal record which will stay with them for life.

"Whenever a complaint or allegation is made to the police about despicable online behaviour, we use our specialists in the Hi-Tech Crime Unit to secure the evidence then pass it to the investigation team to use in their case.

"It is a complex and lengthy process, often involving the use of lots of different legistation and enquiries having to be made overseas, but ultimately if we have evidence of a crime taking place, we will do what is neccessary to trace those responsible and bring them to justice."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.