Boy arrested over social media posts encouraging school violence

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in Sheffield following social media posts encouraging schoolchildren to engage in violent behaviour.

The child is being held on suspicion of malicious communications, encouraging or assisting crime and an alleged public order offence. It follows a national trend involving so-called 'red vs blue school wars' posted on social media.

On Friday, South Yorkshire Police said it was increasing patrols following the circulation of posts in the region. In a statement on Facebook, the force warned about "a reckless attempt from mindless individuals to incite meaningless violence.