A Glasgow school has been hit with a wave of abuse after Tommy Robinson circulated false claims online about an attack involving pupils. It was followed by a barrage of threatening calls that left staff “terrified and traumatised”.
The incident began when footage of a boy being assaulted was shared on social media, accompanied by allegations that he had been targeted by an “Asian gang”.
Inundated
Robinson reposted the video to his large online following, urging supporters to “make these little rats famous” and amplifying a claim from a woman who said the victim was her grandson. She alleged the attackers had issued violent threats and had been “terrorising the whole area”.
Staff at Bellahouston Academy were soon inundated with abusive calls, forcing the school to suspend its phone line for several hours. However, the school made clear that the attack was not racially motivated and that the online narrative had been “used to incite violence and hatred”.
They said the volume and tone of the calls had left some staff members deeply shaken.
Disinformation
Police Scotland later confirmed that two male youths had been charged in connection with an assault and robbery linked to the incident. Officers said the investigation was ongoing but made no reference to any racial element.
The school says it took swift action as soon as the allegations were made.
“We are aware of a video being shared online and we condemn violence of any form. However, we would like to make it clear that spreading disinformation about a complex situation without the correct facts is dangerous and unhelpful and we would urge the local community to let the authorities do their jobs.”
