New police unit to monitor online anti-migrant posts

An elite unit of detectives is being convened to monitor social media for anti-migrant posts. The National Internet Intelligence Investigations team will operate from the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC) in Westminster, drawing officers from forces across England and Wales.

- TOM WATLING

The unit will be tasked with flagging early signs of potential civil unrest and “maximising social media intelligence”, after last year’s riots exposed gaps in police planning.

Home Office ministers say it will give local commanders national support to spot and respond to online threats.

The move comes as protests outside asylum hotels spread across the country. Yesterday, crowds gathered in Norwich, Leeds and Bournemouth to demand action, with further demonstrations planned.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner warned the cabinet that ministers must tackle “the real concerns that people have” about immigration to prevent disorder.