Taxi driver ‘racially abused by people referencing New Zealand terror attack’

Two people have been arrested after a taxi driver in Rochdale was allegedly racially abused by people referencing the terror attack in New Zealand.

A man 33, and woman, 34, were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences after the incident in Greater Manchester in the early hours of this morning.

Officers said they were called at just before 12.20am in response to ‘a report of a taxi driver being abused and threatened by members of the public who were referencing the terrorist attacks in New Zealand’, Greater Manchester Police said.

The pair are due to be interviewed by detectives today.

Yesterday a man was detained elsewhere in Greater Manchester for a social media post that allegedly supported the New Zealand mosque attack.

Officers said the 24-year-old from Oldham allegedly made a post making reference and support for the terrible events in Christchurch. ​

He was detained on suspicion of sending malicious communications.

While separately, a 38-year-old woman from Rochdale was today arrested after posting comments online about the mass shootings, which left 50 people dead.

Assistant chief constable Russ Jackson said: ‘The events which happened two days ago in New Zealand continue to cause huge upset with people of all faiths from across Greater Manchester.

‘Over the weekend we have had, however, a small number of incidents where people have either posted or made remarks referencing the horrible events in New Zealand, particularly online where people often think it is acceptable to abuse others.

‘People are entitled to free speech and this is always respected, however, where this crosses the boundary into criminal offences, let me be really clear, we will make arrests and if the evidence is there we will seek the prosecution of those involved.’

The massacre happened during midday prayers at two mosques in Christchurch on Friday.