MP calls for distressing content ban on social media

An MP is calling for the sharing of distressing footage on social media to be banned after several distressing pieces of content were shared online.

It's follows the crash that killed three teenagers in Coedely and an explosion at Treforest Industrial Estate that's also left one person dead.

Alex Davies-Jones, the MP for Pontypridd, says those responsible for sharing upsetting content should be prosecuted.

She described social media posts with "vicious posts and graphic footage" of scenes and victims being shared widely online.

The MP also said that the police have been informed of her concerns.

"The Police are aware of these posts and the individuals and are seeking to bring some of them to justice."

Davies-Jones has called on the government and social media firms to do more to tackle how this sort of content is uploaded in the first place and to remove it in a more timely manner.

"I raised this issue in the House of Commons this week, and thankfully the Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt has agreed to meet with me," she says.

"Some of the social media platforms have acted quickly, removed the offending posts and taken action against the users, however, some platforms haven't and it's causing immense harm to victims families."

We've reached out to the government and are awaiting their response.

A joint police, fire and Health and Safety Executive investigation is underway following the blast at Rizla House on the Treforest Industrial Estate in Severn Road, Rhondda Cynon Taff, at around 7pm on Wednesday.

A major incident was declared by emergency services, with the two-storey building described as “totally alight” and “at risk of collapse” by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

One crew remains at the scene today as crews work on three fire hotspots that are still alight.

Police have appealed for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to contact them.

• coedely
• pontypridd