St Helens man charged after posting offensive tweet in wake of Manchester Arena attack

Local newspaper St Helens Reporter reports that a man has been charged with a racially aggravated offence after posting an offensive tweet following the terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena last week.

Ryan Burgess, from St Helens, was arrested after comments he made on Twitter were reported to police.

The 22-year-old has been charged with using racially aggravated threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour under Section 4 of the Public Order Act. He was released on bail and is set to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on June 13.

Inspector John Sacker of Merseyside Police emphasised his force’s commitment to tackling hate crime, whether it be committed online or in person. Inspector Sacker said, “There can never be any excuse for hate crime in any shape or form and incidents such as this will not be tolerated.”

He continued, “The force will take action against any criminal behaviour which seeks to undermine our communities and puts people at risk, especially where those crimes are motivated by hate.”

Anyone who has been a victim of hate crime is encouraged to report it by calling 101 or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.