UK police forces are calling for greater flexibility in releasing information about criminal cases to prevent misinformation and public unrest, following violent riots sparked by online speculation after the Southport knife attack last year.
Three national policing bodies—the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the College of Policing, and Counter Terrorism Policing—have submitted a formal request to a Law Commission review of contempt of court laws, arguing that current restrictions can contribute to dangerous disinformation.
Misinformation and the Southport Attack
The July 2024 Southport knife attack, in which three young girls were murdered, became a flashpoint for social unrest when false claims about the attacker’s identity and motives spread online.
The suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, was arrested, but police initially withheld key details, including his religion, following legal advice.
This lack of information led to speculation that the attack was carried out by an asylum seeker or Islamist extremist—claims that were false but widely circulated on social media.
Misinformation-fueled riots erupted nationwide, with mosques and migrant housing facilities being attacked in response to the rumors.
Merseyside Police later faced criticism for failing to counter false claims quickly, with Chief Constable Serena Kennedy admitting that she wanted to release clarifying details but was blocked by prosecutors.
She told the Home Affairs Select Committee:
“Some of the streets of the UK are on fire, and I need to help my fellow chief constables as much as I can.
However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initially opposed disclosing the suspect’s religion, fearing it could prejudice a future trial. By the time the CPS relented, riots had already spread across the UK.
Police: Current Laws Need Reform
Under current contempt of court laws, UK police are restricted from sharing certain details about ongoing criminal investigations, in order to protect a defendant’s right to a fair trial.
But the NPCC, College of Policing, and Counter Terrorism Policing argue that a “tipping point” exists, where failing to release factual information can lead to violent unrest and threats to public safety.
In their submission to the Law Commission review, the bodies stated:
“Unchecked misinformation can create a febrile environment where the risks of disorder breaking out are higher. We believe the legal framework should acknowledge this risk and provide flexibility to mitigate clear threats to public safety.”
International Comparisons: More Transparency Abroad
UK police pointed to other countries where law enforcement shares more details during investigations.
For example, in August 2024, Austrian police disrupted a terror plot targeting a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna and quickly made key details public, including:
- The chemicals and devices found in the suspect’s home
- The suspects’ nationalities and employment backgrounds
- Statements from police interviews, including confessions
- Authorities’ assessments of the suspects’ extremist ideology
UK law enforcement believes that greater transparency in similar cases could help counter harmful speculation before it escalates.
“When the public sees other countries releasing details that UK police would hold back, they have every right to question whether this approach is necessary,” the submission stated.
Tackling Online Conspiracies and Public Figures Spreading Misinformation
The police submission also calls for stricter action against individuals who spread conspiracy theories and misinformation that fuel violence.
It highlights concerns over public figures, including elected officials, who use their platforms to push false narratives of cover-ups.
The proposal argues that:
- Social media platforms should be held more accountable for stopping the spread of harmful false information.
- Individuals who deliberately spread falsehoods should face stronger legal consequences.
- Police should have more freedom to counter conspiracy theories with factual information.
Next Steps: Law Commission Review Underway
The Law Commission is now reviewing whether UK contempt of court laws should be updated to balance the right to a fair trial with the need for public safety.
As misinformation continues to play a role in fueling public disorder, the review’s outcome could shape future policing strategies and how law enforcement communicates with the public during high-profile criminal investigations.
Further updates are expected as the review progresses.
