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Police Scotland has warned against spreading misinformation about an incident in Dundee involving a 12-year-old girl, following viral social media posts that were amplified by Elon Musk and far-right figures.
The controversy centers around an incident that occurred on Saturday evening in St Ann Lane, Dundee, where a Bulgarian couple was approached by a group of young people. A 12-year-old girl has since been charged with possession of offensive weapons in connection with the event.
Footage circulating on social media showed images of a girl holding bladed weapons, accompanied by unsubstantiated claims that she and her friends had been harassed and followed by individuals described without evidence as migrants.
These allegations gained significant traction after Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X, reposted them along with the comment: “What kind of government arrests little girls who try to defend themselves?” The claims were further amplified by far-right activist Tommy Robinson (whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), who described the incident as “very distressing young girls being filmed by a migrant.”
However, Police Scotland has confirmed that after reviewing CCTV footage, they found no evidence supporting these allegations. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell stated: “We are aware of misinformation being shared on social media in relation to an incident where a Bulgarian couple were approached by youths in St Ann Lane, Dundee, on Saturday.”
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney condemned the spread of these claims, particularly singling out Musk’s involvement. Speaking in Glasgow on Thursday, Swinney said: “People like Elon Musk, with the misinformation that has been stoked up about this case, are trying to undermine that sense of cohesion within our communities and it is totally and utterly unacceptable, and Police Scotland are absolutely right to call it out.”
The case highlights the growing concern over how social media can rapidly spread unverified claims with real-world consequences for community relations. As the girl is under 16, her case will be handled through Scotland’s children’s hearing system, which takes a less formal approach than traditional courts.
Despite police clarification, the incident has sparked a wave of online support for the girl, with social media users portraying her as a hero. Internet memes depicting her as Braveheart have circulated widely, and a crowdfunding campaign purportedly set up by her family has already generated £30,000 in donations.
The fundraising appeal repeats unverified allegations that the girl’s sister was physically attacked during the incident and claims the 12-year-old “needs our help to stand up to the corrupt law establishment that would rather go after victims than hold foreign migrants accountable for their crimes.”
Chief Superintendent Russell has thanked the local community for their assistance with the investigation but urged the public “not to share misinformation about this incident or speculate on the circumstances.”
The case illustrates the complex challenges law enforcement faces in the digital age, where social media can rapidly spread unverified information that impacts community cohesion and potentially interferes with ongoing investigations. It also demonstrates how high-profile figures with large online followings, such as Musk, can significantly amplify disputed narratives before the facts are fully established.
Police Scotland continues to investigate the incident while grappling with the spread of misinformation that has now gained international attention through social media platforms.
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10 Comments
This is a complex incident that warrants a thorough, impartial investigation. Spreading unverified claims on social media only serves to inflame tensions and distort the truth. Police should be commended for urging caution and restraint in this sensitive situation.
This is a tricky situation that requires a measured, evidence-based approach. I’m glad the police are urging restraint and caution to avoid further inflaming tensions or spreading misinformation.
Caution is certainly warranted here. The police are right to call for a careful, fact-based approach rather than jumping to conclusions. Misinformation and political agendas should not cloud the real issues at hand.
I agree. Responsible reporting and calm deliberation are needed to understand what actually occurred and address any legitimate concerns, without resorting to inflammatory rhetoric or speculation.
In cases like this, it’s critical that the authorities maintain public confidence by being transparent, impartial, and focused on the actual evidence. Misinformation and agendas shouldn’t be allowed to cloud the truth.
The police are wise to urge caution in this incident. Jumping to conclusions or amplifying unverified claims on social media is irresponsible and counterproductive. A calm, fact-based approach is needed to understand what really happened.
The police are right to call for restraint and a focus on the facts. Divisive rhetoric and unverified claims on social media are counterproductive and risk escalating an already sensitive situation.
Agreed. Maintaining public trust and safety should be the top priority, not political grandstanding or the spread of unsubstantiated narratives.
It’s concerning to see this incident being exploited for political gain and the spreading of unsubstantiated claims. The police are right to prioritize public safety and the integrity of their investigation over sensationalism.
Absolutely. Cooler heads and a commitment to the facts should prevail here. Rushing to judgment or fanning the flames of division helps no one.