Police probe after vile racist rant aimed at Instagram star
Merseyside Police has launched an investigation into racist and abusive comments made on social media. It comes after a post by content creator, Danny Price who drew attention to a series of racist and abusive messages he'd allegedly been sent online by someone believed to be from Merseyside.
Mr Price has more than 140k followers on his Instagram account and he posted the video to raise awareness about racism. Introducing the video, Mr Price wrote in the caption: "Five minutes of your time please. I thought about not posting this. I thought about ignoring it. But no. That's not what's happening." Adding: "he sent me some blatant r@cizm in my DM's."
The video garnered thousands of supportive comments and prompted a series of high profile Merseyside-based accounts to show their support. After seeing a post on Instagram, the Anthony Walker Foundation published a response on its social media which said: "After viewing an Instagram post yesterday containing racially abusive voice messages directed at Danny Price, we felt it necessary to share this statement.
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"The racist abuse directed towards Danny Price is abhorrent and utterly unacceptable. The repeated use of the N-word, a dehumanising comparison, the references to slavery and the violent threats are not only deeply offensive and deeply harmful, but criminal.
"We have reported this hate-crime to Merseyside Police and we encourage their on-going investigations. We stand in solidarity with Danny Price, the victim of this heinous attack, and we condemn the racist individual for their words and actions, and expect to see justice served through our legal system."
Merseyside Police has confirmed its officers are currently investigating the alleged racist and abusive comments. In a statement sent to the LDRS, police stated: "On Friday 24 January we received a report of online abuse directed at a man who lives in London. Enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Jemma Berry said: “Merseyside Police can confirm an investigation is underway into allegations of racist and abusive comments made on social media.
“We will always take reports of hate crime extremely seriously and want the public to feel reassured that we will do everything within our powers to ensure that those responsible for incidents of hate crime – whether committed in person or online - are dealt with.
“I would also like to remind social media users intent on committing hate crimes that any belief that they can maintain anonymity online are misplaced. Offences committed online, including malicious communications and any inappropriate behaviour, can be investigated.
"We would ask anyone with information on this incident call us quoting ref: 25000072093.”
Activist, writer, academic and Knowsley councillor, Chantelle Lunt welcomed Merseyside Police's involvement, adding: "As a community, we must demand stronger enforcement of laws against online hate crimes, hold social media platforms to account, and work collaboratively to challenge these hateful actions. I stand in solidarity with Danny Price and fully support his bravery in standing up against this vile abuse."
The Anthony Walker Foundation also wanted to offer reassurance to assure all victims of racial hate crime, adding: "We are here to support you, to listen to your experiences, and to help you navigate the aftermath of any race hate experiences you have had. We know that the impact of racism can vary greatly from individual to individual.
"If you or someone you know is experiencing racial harassment or discrimination, please reach out to us at the Anthony Walker Foundation."
To find out more details about the work of the Anthony Walker Foundation please visit it's website HERE.
To find out more details and support the work of the Anthony Walker Foundation please visit it's website HERE.