We were forced to flee our home after being wrongly targeted by crowds of paedophile hunters, we feared for our lives
A COUPLE who were wrongly targeted by a crowd of paedophile hunters were forced to flee their home after the terrifying attack.
False information about David McLean, 37, circulated online and he was wrongly alleged to be a sex offender by vigilante group Exposed Britain on Facebook back in 2018.
However, the post resurfaced earlier this year which led to an angry mob rioting outside his home in Dumbarton, the Daily Record reports.
The shocking incident was also live streamed on TikTok, causing hundreds more to join the crowds.
Up to 300 people had gathered at the location and refused to disperse when requested by cops.
And a number of objects, including bricks and fireworks, were then thrown at riot officers who were trying to contain the chaotic scenes.
Many were heard shouting “dirty beast” outside the property.
David and his partner Shona, 35, were left fearing for their lives as their home was wrongly targeted.
Shona told the Daily Record: “We were terrified, absolutely terrified.
“People were outside chanting ‘dirty beast’ and the crowd just got bigger, bigger and bigger.
“The police tried to get us out at the start, but the crowd gathered so quickly it wasn’t safe to move us.
“We spent two hours inside listening to all of that. Fireworks and boulders were being thrown at the house. Cars were being kicked and smashed.
“I didn’t know if we were going to be killed. It was horrific.”
The couple were eventually removed from their home after cutting down a fence in the back garden and were protected by riot cops as they fled the scene.
David and Shona have now been moved to an undisclosed location following the horror incident.
But Shona fears everyday that they will be found and targeted again.
She added: “Before this happened we were planning our wedding, but since this started I’ve been thinking more about planning our funerals.”
The pair believe that false information spread online after a rumour was started following a fall out with someone known to David.
And Shona said the incident could have been avoided if people checked that the information online was correct.
She added: “If someone had phoned the police and asked if David was on the sex offenders register, they would have known the information was inaccurate.
“Anyone can write something on Facebook, but that doesn’t mean it’s true.”
Police Scotland confirmed at the time that the group gathered at this location due to inaccurate information circulating online.
And ten people were later arrested and charged with mobbing and rioting.
Area Commander Chief Inspector Ryan McMurdo said: “What happened in Graham Road is totally unacceptable and I understand the fear and alarm it will have caused.
“Due to the incident, several police vehicles are out of service today, directly impacting local policing.
“As a police officer, I will always uphold the rights of those who wish to engage in a peaceful protest.
“However, when that behaviour descends into criminality, resulting in the scenes we witnessed last night, then I will act and ensure those responsible will face the consequences of their actions.”
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