Liverpool Account Linked to Spreading False School Threat Information

The social media account that spread hoax school threats across Liverpool has come under scrutiny from local authorities for its role in disseminating dangerous misinformation during a sensitive community incident.

Police were dispatched to LIPA School and other educational institutions across Merseyside after malicious hoax emails triggered widespread concern among parents and school administrators. While authorities worked to manage the situation with verified information, an influential local social media presence complicated matters by publishing unverified reports.

The “Around Liverpool” social media pages, which describe themselves as a “weird news page showing everything happening in and around Liverpool,” have amassed a substantial following across multiple platforms. The account now boasts nearly 52,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), 59,000 on Instagram, and an impressive 85,000 on Facebook, giving its posts considerable reach throughout the Liverpool area.

According to an investigation published by the Liverpool Echo, the account pushed out numerous unchecked posts about the school threats, with investigators finding that “almost all were untrue or unrelated” to the actual situation. This flood of misinformation created additional challenges for law enforcement and school officials already working to manage a sensitive situation.

When questioned by followers about the accuracy of the information being shared, the account administrator reportedly responded defensively, stating: “Even though [I am] not perfect, I still trust the word on the street. If u don’t like it, f*** off.” This approach to information sharing stands in stark contrast to the fact-checked reporting provided by mainstream media outlets and official statements from authorities.

The account’s political leanings have also come under scrutiny. The Echo reports that the user has shared content from controversial figures including Tommy Robinson and Elon Musk. The account has also reposted commentary from right-wing figures such as Jess Gill, who suggested the Windrush generation were never invited to the UK. Additionally, the account has shared support for Rupert Lowe and the far-right Restore Britain party, while expressing strong support for former footballer Joey Barton, who was recently charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Senior representatives from both Liverpool Council and Merseyside Police have condemned the account’s practices in statements to the Echo. Their criticism highlights growing concerns about the role of unregulated social media channels in crisis situations and their potential to undermine official communications channels.

The incident raises important questions about social media accountability during public safety issues. With the account’s self-description stating that “news on this page is written by the followers,” it appears to distance itself from traditional journalistic standards of verification and fact-checking while still functioning as a news source for tens of thousands of Liverpool residents.

Media literacy experts have long warned about the dangers of information ecosystems where unverified content can spread rapidly during emergencies. This case demonstrates how quickly false information can circulate when social media accounts with large followings prioritize engagement over accuracy, particularly during sensitive situations involving schools and children’s safety.

The hoax school threats themselves caused significant disruption across Merseyside, with police resources deployed to multiple locations and parents left concerned about their children’s wellbeing. The addition of misleading social media content compounded these challenges, according to the authorities quoted in the Echo’s investigation.

For parents and community members seeking reliable information during similar situations, officials continue to emphasize the importance of following updates from official police channels, school communications systems, and established news organizations with professional fact-checking protocols in place.

The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with maintaining influential social media accounts and the potential consequences when information is shared without proper verification, particularly during situations affecting public safety.