Unfounded rumours that migrants murdered a woman in a south Suffolk village have been branded “utterly despicable” by the county's police and crime commissioner.
Suffolk police has labelled the rumours about the death of Anita Rose, which were posted on social media by far-right groups, as "dangerous misinformation".
Tim Passmore, Suffolk police and crime commissioner, has now condemned the posts.
The posts relate to the ongoing murder investigation into the death of Ms Rose, 57, who left her home in Brantham at 5am on Wednesday, July 24, to take her dog for a walk.
She was found unconscious with a serious head injury and died several days later in hospital.
The unfounded claims on social media said the mother-of-six was killed by migrants who were originally from Somalia.
Among those posting the lie on social media about the case was former leader of the now-defunct English Defence League, Tommy Robinson.
Three people have been arrested in connection with Ms Rose's death - including two on suspicion of murder - but Suffolk police confirmed they were not Somali migrants.
Mr Passmore said: “The investigation into this murder is continuing and spreading such false information on social media is utterly despicable.
“I can categorically state the comments are wrong.
“To behave in such an irresponsible manner bearing in mind the current disorder and violence elsewhere in the country beggars belief and everything will be done to find the perpetrators and punish them accordingly.
He added: “I have personally raised this matter with the Home Secretary (Yvette Cooper) and am pleased to say she is fully supportive of this approach.
“Lastly, do such people have any sense of humanity bearing in mind what the friends and relatives of the deceased are going through at such a difficult time for them?
“This is the time for us to pull together and support each other in Suffolk and not let anything divide us.”
Suffolk police said in a statement: "As previously stated in response to misinformation being circulated online, Suffolk police can confirm that the arrested and since bailed individuals in connection with the Anita Rose case are not Somali migrants.
"We typically wouldn’t comment on a nationality and the only reason we have in this instance is because it’s a dangerous piece of misinformation, which we will continue to dispel."
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