Police have arrested two men as part Operation Octant, a malicious communications investigation into offensive messages sent to Angela Rayner, MP.
On Tuesday and yesterday officers arrested a 65-year-old man from Surrey and a 37-year-old man from Kent on suspicion of sending malicious communications.
The arrests, alongside officers from Surrey Police and Kent Police, form part of an on-going investigation into communications sent to the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne who is also Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Both men have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
The arrests relate to an email sent on May 2 this year with eight arrests in total made as part of the investigation that have so far led to three convictions.
Detective Sergeant Christopher Dean, of Tameside district CID, said: “GMP won’t tolerate abuse and that includes online abuse in its many forms – text, email or social media – and we will always investigate thoroughly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“If anyone has been the victim of abuse – whether physical or online – then they should call police and one of our specially-trained officers will be on hand.”
Anyone with information about similar incidents should contact police on 0161 856 9262 via 101 or our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively details can be passed via the anonymous charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you have been a victim of hate, don't suffer in silence. Visit gmvictims.org.uk to access victim support and information. You can report hate crime online, via www.gmp.police.uk or by calling 101.
More than £500k spent on painting buses yellow for Bee Network rebrand
Man, 29, charged in connection with fatal stabbing of Droylsden woman
Rogue builder receives suspended prison sentence and fined £25k for botched Ashton home conversions
Tameside Rotarian prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday and 60 years of rotary service
