Lancashire Police has issued a warning to residents not to spread false rumours online.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter White said unhelpful rumours ‘are causing unnecessary concern'.

He added: "Social media sites are routinely monitored by the Constabulary and anyone found to be inciting violence or disorder in this way will be dealt with by police."

It comes as a 25-year-old Nelson man was charged with trying to start a disturbance.

Christopher Schofield, of Eckroyd Close, was arrested on Wednesday after posting a message on Facebook trying to incite others to get involved in disturbances which have swept the country.

He has been charged with intentionally inciting or assisting in the commission of an either way offence believing it would be committed.

He will appear before Burnley Magistrates Court on Monday.

And 28-year-old North Lancashire man was charged with encouraging looting via Facebook.

Karl Manley, of Goldfinch Close, Heysham, has been bailed to appear before Lancaster Magistrates Court on August 25.

It is understood the charge relates to allegations he encouraged the burglary of a store.

A third man, aged 21 from Blackpool, was also arrested last night on suspicion of encouraging or assisting in the commission of an either way offence believing it would be committed but was released no further action.

Elswhere in the North West, Cheshire Police said eight people in their area were arrested on suspicion of inciting public disorder through the use of social media sites.

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