Thames Valley Police investigation hate crime against Mayor of Buckingham

An investigation has been launched into “malicious” emails sent to the mayor of Buckingham, which may be a “hate crime”.

Cllr Geraldine Collins reported she had been the recipient of “nasty and libellous” correspondence, during a Buckingham Town Council meeting, on Monday, December 21.

She said it is in relation to someone ‘impersonating’ her on Facebook, which is now being looked in to by the social media company itself.

Earlier today, Buckinghamshire Council confirmed an investigation of its very own is underway to establish whether a Buckingham Town councillor is in breach of their Code of Conduct following a social media post.

The Code of Conduct sets out the ethical standards that our councillors must follow.

The authority started the investigation after complaints were made and said it would comment further when enquiries are concluded.

Soon after, Thames Valley Police confirmed it was investigating a “hate crime”, in Buckingham, on December 17.

Speaking to members of Buckingham Town Council, Cllr Collins said:

“Following recent emails and Facebook posts, some of you asked if my accounts had been hacked.

“They have not been hacked – I believe I have been impersonated on Facebook and this has been investigated by Facebook.

“I have received malicious, nasty and libellous emails which have been reported to the police.

“Someone obviously has something against me, I don’t know why.

“I am taking legal advice – this whole matter is now in the hands of the police who have classified it as hate crime against me.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said:

“Thames Valley Police is investigating a report of a hate crime that occurred on 17 December, in Buckingham.

“It was reported that the victim received malicious emails.

“An investigation is ongoing.”