Two arrested following reports of malicious communications

MP for Ashton and Failsworth Angela Rayner

Two men have been arrested as part Operation Octant, a malicious communications investigation.

Yesterday (Tuesday), and today, officers from arrested a 65-year-old man from Surrey and a 37-year-old man from Kent on suspicion of malicious communications.

The arrests, alongside officers from Surrey Police and Kent Police, form part of the on-going investigation into communications sent to Ashton and Failsworth MP, and Deputy Labour Leader, Angela Rayner.

They have both been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

These arrests relates to an email sent on May 2, 2022, with eight arrests in total made as part of the investigation that have so far led to three convictions.

Detective Sergeant Christopher Dean, of Tameside district CID, said: “GMP won’t tolerate abuse and that includes online abuse in its many forms – text, email or social media – and we will always investigate thoroughly to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“If anyone has been the victim of abuse – whether physical or online – then they should call police and one of our specially-trained officers will be on hand.”

Anyone with information about similar incidents should contact police on 0161 856 9262 via 101 or GMP's LiveChat function at: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively details can be passed via the anonymous charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you have been a victim of hate, don't suffer in silence.

Visit: gmvictims.org.uk to access victim support and information.

You can report hate crime online, via: www.gmp.police.uk or by calling 101.

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