STOP THE RACIST LIES

Police's stab story warning | Violence and looting in cities

- EWAN MOWAT and CRAIG PATON

FIRST Minister John Swinney has urged people to refrain from "unhelpful speculation" after false rumours spread that a Muslim man had stabbed three women in Stirling.

One 21-year-old woman was taken to hospital with injuries considered "non-life threatening" after an alleged blade incident on Saturday.

A 29-year-old man was later arrested and charged but police issued a warning over "false information circulating on social media".

Rumours appeared online on Saturday that there had been three stabbings by a man believed to be Muslim.

Far-right thug Tommy Robinson shared one post which included a photo of an unidentified man in the street and wrote: "Alleged Muslim stabbed at least three women in Stirling Scotland tonight. They always target women. Will kier [sic] starmer talk about this."

Swinney wrote on X: "This is a serious incident and my thoughts are with the victim.

"This is an isolated incident and I have been advised there is no wider threat to the public. I would encourage everyone to refrain from unhelpful speculation on social media."