Police chiefs hit back at watchdog over Southport social media report
Inspectors have called on local forces to be aware of disinformation spreading online
Last updated 7th May 2025
Police chiefs have criticised a watchdog report which calls on local forces to tackle disinformation online, in the wake of the Southport stabbings.
Riots broke out across the country following an attack on three little girls last summer, partly due to misleading social media posts about the identity of the killer.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services called on social media companies, Ofcom and the police to take quicker action to tackle false information in times of disorder.
Report criticises forces for not listening to recommendations
Head of the watchdog, Sir Andy Cooke, told journalists that misinformation and disinformation posted on social media helped fuel the disorder across England last summer, and misleading posts were left up too long.
He spoke to journalists as the watchdog's second report on the policing response to the riots was published.
The report said forces had not heeded recommendations given by the inspectorate in 2011 and 2021 about intelligence relating to disorder, as well as dealing with social media.
Force chiefs need to be prepared to counter false information or a lack of information with the truth, Sir Andy said, and should consider how to be more open with journalists from established mainstream media outlets about all major investigations.
"Forces can't control or counter the speed and volume of online content, that goes without saying, but they need to better appreciate how fast-moving events will require them to counter the false narratives online and be innovative in their approach," he said.
"They need to fill the information void that we saw throughout this disorder that was filled with so much misinformation and disinformation, because that misinformation, disinformation, could go viral very, very quickly.
"So policing cannot be passive when public safety is at risk."
Some forces have an "exceptionally limited" ability to deal with content online due to a lack of resources, the report said.
Call for more "balanced" approach
The chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council, Gavin Stephens, said "a more balanced assessment" is needed.
He said: "While there are lessons to learn, it is crucial to acknowledge that law enforcement does not - and should not - regulate online content.
"Responsibility for ensuring information is accurate and does not fuel harm lies with those posting it, platform providers and regulatory bodies."
The report included a comment from one force head of communications who told inspectors the police service had "no proper answer" for managing misinformation and disinformation.
The chief constable of Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy, also released a statement: “The report focuses on the risks online content can pose to the public.
"In the hours following the incident in Southport, it became clear that misinformation about the person responsible was circulating on social media.
“As a result, we offered important clarity on where the suspect was born and asked that social media users did not share potentially harmful disinformation.
"When we were able, we issued further details about the suspect."