Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has spoken out about ‘propaganda on social media’ after a car ploughed into crowds at Liverpool FC’s victory parade.
The incident on Water Street left almost 80 people injured including four children. A 53-year-old from the West Derby area was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder; dangerous driving; and driving while unfit through drugs.
Mr Burnham said he was ‘worried’ by the number of people ‘rushing to put their own spin on it’.
Appearing on BBC Radio Manchester’s hot seat, he added: “We’ve got to recognise the world we’re in. The world has become quite volatile and quite dark actually.
“What I did notice on Monday was the rush of people who wanted to use it for propaganda purposes. They wanted to put their own spin on it and whip people up. That worries me, that whole culture on social media of doing that.”
He praised Merseyside Police for the way information was shared.
“In the Southport situation, the police were following the normal approach, which is not [to reveal details],” the mayor said.
“But what we learnt is the world has changed with social media. Facts have to be put out there in a more timely way than they were in the past.”
Merseyside Police revealed the arrested driver was 53-year-old white man within two hours of the incident to discourage speculation. Incorrect information was still circulated online.
Mr Burnham added: “We mustn’t change our way of life, our culture, the things that matter to us. At the same time, the world does seem to be changing in some ways. I think we need to call out those people who are using these moments to whip up people and spread propaganda even when they do not have the facts in front of them.”
Bev Craig has been elected as the next mayor of Greater Manchester.
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