UK Police Arrest Man Over Violent Twitter Threats

July 30, 2013
British police on Tuesday arrested a second man in connection with an investigation into violent threats made against a lawmaker and a feminist campaigner on Twitter.

LONDON (AP) — British police on Tuesday arrested a second man in connection with an investigation into violent threats made against a lawmaker and a feminist campaigner on Twitter.

Labour Party legislator Stella Creasy was targeted with threats of rape and murder after she tweeted in support of feminist campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez, who received a torrent of abuse after she campaigned, successfully, for the image of famed author Jane Austen to appear on a British bank note.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed Tuesday it is investigating reports of "malicious communications" on Twitter in relation to the two separate victims. The arrest of a 25-year-old man came as part of those investigations, police added.

Earlier this week, police questioned and released on bail a 21-year-old man in connection with messages sent to Criado-Perez.

The incidents have led to calls for Twitter to take action against abusive commenters, known as trolls.

Twitter said it took the issue seriously and planned to expand a "report abuse" button, already available on its iPhone app, to other platforms.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sponsored Recommendations

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Officer, create an account today!