Officers are reminding members of the public to report any concerns they have on public safety or crime to police rather than speculate online.

The message follows a number of incidents which have come to light recently which generated undue concern and speculation on social media channels.

Chief Superintendent Matt Kennerley, Cumbria Constabulary, said:

“We would like to reassure all communities that we, as a police force, are here to investigate thoroughly any reports of crime or disorder.

“We are aware of a small number of social media posts recently alleging criminal incidents, which were not reported directly to us in the first instance. Instead they caused concern on social media, which was later found to be unnecessary as the alleged incidents were found not to be true.

“We appreciate that many of those who have shared such information have done so with a genuine care for public safety. We want to support all communities as best we can and to do so, we need your information to assist us in keeping people safe and bring offenders to justice.

“Please be assured that reporting your information to us is the best way for an incident to be looked into quickly and dealt with appropriately.”

You can report a crime or information online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report101 or by calling 101. If it is an emergency or a crime in action, please dial 999.