HARRY'S ONLINE RIOT ACT

Royal's anger at social media giants after stream of 'lies & abuse' fed unrest.

- PATRICK HILL

PRINCE Harry has attacked social media firms and begged owners to take responsibility for harmful content.

The royal, 39, spoke out at the Responsible Digital Future forum in Colombia after false online rumours led to riots across Britain.

Last night the Prince was resoundingly backed by a mayor of one of the riot-hit communities.

Harry said: "What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets. People are acting on information that isn't true.

"We are no longer debating facts. It comes down to all of us to be able to spot the true from the fake.

"For as long as people are allowed to spread lies and abuse then social cohesion as we know it has broken down.

"In an ideal world those with positions of influence would take more responsibility." Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram said: "He is right.