UPDATE: Gwent Police arrest third man over internet riot rumours
Gwent Police has issued a warning to members of the public to use social media responsibly and not spread rumours about rioting in Wales.
The warning follows the arrest of a 27-year-old man from Ebbw Vale who was cautioned for “sending a malicious communication by a public communication network”.
A 31-year-old man from the Newport area has also been arrested on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of a public order offence.
As of Wednesday night, he remains in police custody being questioned.
Jeff Farrar, Deputy Chief Constable of Gwent Police, said: “I have no doubt that many of the pictures and reports from across the UK within the media will provoke concern among our communities.
“I want to reassure them that, in the Gwent force area, we have not experienced major unrest as seen elsewhere but what we have had is irresponsible use of social media which has caused unnecessary fear and anxiety in the community. We have already made an arrest for this with more to come. We want people to know that we not only police the streets in Gwent, we police the online community as well.
“Meanwhile, as usual, our priority is to protect and reassure communities in Gwent. Officers will be out and about and available to speak to anyone who has any concerns, alternatively members of the public can call 101 or keep updated via Facebook or Twitter.”
South Wales Police has also arrested two men from the Cardiff area in connection with the misuse of social media sites to incite criminal acts.