TWO people from Worcestershire have been arrested by West Mercia Police in connection to Facebook posts which are being treated as a racial 'hate crime'. 

The incidents were reported to police by several people who had seen posts made on the social media site on June 6.

As a result, a 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of posting videos or images likely to cause racial hatred.

A 45-year-old woman has further been arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell said: “This was a concerning incident and we will be carrying out a thorough investigation.

"It is being investigated as a hate crime.

“We have been in contact with our local Muslim community via Councillor Jabba Riaz, deputy mayor for Worcester, who as always acts as a critical friend in support of what we do.

“If anyone has any concerns about social media posts that potentially incite hate I would urge them not to share the posts but to report the incident to the police and social media company at the earliest opportunity.”

Councillor Jabba Riaz told our sister paper the Worcester News he had seen the post, and thanked officers with dealing with it promptly.

"There is a good relationship with West Mercia Police in the city," Cllr Riaz said.

"The police are open, reactive and prompt with their dealing with any incidents of this nature.

"We thank them for their hard work in the city."