GMP police chief calls for more tolerance in wake of New Zealand shootings

A police chief asked for more tolerance and understanding as he said a man called the Christchurch shooter a "hero'' online, with officers making seven arrests for alleged hate crimes.

Assistant chief constable Russ Jackson, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said the overwhelming response to the New Zealand terror attack in the region had been one of shock and "Mancunian solidarity'' with victims.

But he said there was also a small amount of incidents with people making "disgusting'' online comments, including on Facebook and Twitter.

Mr Jackson said: "In one example a man uses truly offensive words to describe Muslims, hoping Muslims die and saying the attacker is his hero.

"Posts like this creates and breeds fear amongst people. All of this is amplified by the way social media works. A senseless comment can go viral and cause endless worry.''

He said police had received 11 reports of offensive behaviour related to the Christchurch attack, nine of them online - and police had made seven arrests, mostly for stirring up racial hatred or malicious communications.

Two of the arrests were for a racially aggravated public order offence involving a taxi driver. Two people are due in court next month.

A 38-year-old woman from Rochdale was also arrested after posting comments online about the mass shootings, which left 50 people dead and a 24-year-old man from Oldham was arrested on Saturday after posting comments on social media supporting the killings.

Mr Jackson added: "The tiny number of people who chose to make horrible comments are isolated. Put simply, its time for some decency, some understanding and some tolerance.''

The Christchurch massacre happened during midday prayers at two mosques in the New Zealand city last Friday