Cops probe online abuse after MP visits Scots mosque following ‘meat cleaver incident’

Labour MP Melanie Ward faced racist and threatening online comments after visiting Kirkcaldy Islamic Centre following a Boxing Day disturbance.

A probe has been launched into offensive online posts after a Scottish Labour MP posted a photo on social media of her visit to an Islamic centre.

Melanie Ward, MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, visited Kirkcaldy Islamic Centre on January 3 alongside a local Church of Scotland minister, Claire Baker MSP and police to show “support and solidarity” following an alleged Boxing Day disturbance in the centre’s car park involving two men with meat cleavers.

Two men, both aged 46, have appeared in court in connection with the incident on Boxing Day. Michael Williamson, from St Andrews, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour, carrying an offensive weapon, and resisting an officer. He made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Craig Robertson, from Glenrothes, faced charges including careless driving, driving under the influence, driving without a licence, threatening and abusive behaviour, and carrying an offensive weapon. He also made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Officers from Police Scotland said there was no hate crime element to the disturbance.

Following her visit, Ward shared a photo online but said she was left “disgusted” by some of the comments, many of which were racist or threatening.

“The level of racism, hatred and vitriol written by people on that post was so appalling that I had to switch off the comment function, and delete some of the worst abuse,” she said. “The police have been investigating whether some of those abusive posts meet a criminal threshold.

“I am disgusted that people – most of whom are not from Kirkcaldy or Fife – would seek to stir up hatred and division in this way. I know that most local people will join me in rejecting this.”

Ward added: “Standing alongside a local group threatened by a meat cleaver is not controversial; it is the right thing to do. Our community solidarity is one of our area’s greatest strengths and I will never stand by whilst outsiders seek to cause harm and sow division.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that comments on the post are being assessed to establish whether any criminality has occurred.

A spokesperson from the force said: “A report in relation to offensive online communication has been received. It is being assessed regarding any criminality.”