Police in Scotland have issued a strong warning against sharing misinformation about an incident in Dundee where a 12-year-old girl was charged with carrying offensive weapons. The case gained massive online attention after figures like Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson amplified unproven claims on social media, sparking debates on community safety and online rumors.
This event unfolded on Saturday evening in St Ann Lane, Dundee, when a group of young people approached a Bulgarian couple. Footage showing the girl holding bladed items spread quickly, leading to false narratives that she was defending herself from harassment by migrants.
What Happened in Dundee
Details from the incident show a 12-year-old girl and her friends encountered the couple in a public area. Reports indicate the group behaved in a way that raised concerns, prompting police involvement.
The girl faced charges for possessing offensive weapons, including what appeared to be a knife and an axe in shared videos. Authorities reviewed CCTV footage and found no proof of any attack or harassment against the youths.
Under Scottish law, cases involving children under 16 go through a children’s hearing system. This focuses on welfare rather than formal court trials, aiming to support young people while addressing behavior.
Enquiries continue, with police stressing the need for accurate information. The Bulgarian couple involved has spoken out, stating they came to the UK legally and did nothing wrong during the encounter.
How Misinformation Spread Online
Social media played a key role in twisting the story. Videos of the incident went viral, with users claiming the girl was protecting herself from dangerous individuals described as migrants without any evidence.
High-profile figures boosted these claims. Elon Musk shared posts questioning why a young girl would be arrested for self-defense, drawing millions of views. Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist, posted about distressed children being followed, adding to the frenzy.
Posts on X highlighted similar sentiments, with some users calling the girl a hero. This led to cartoons portraying her as a brave figure and even a crowdfunding campaign that raised over £30,000.
However, police confirmed these allegations lack support from evidence. The spread shows how quickly false info can escalate, especially when shared by influential accounts.
- Key false claims included the idea that the girl was attacked by migrants.
- Others suggested she needed weapons to fend off a group of harassers.
- Some narratives tied the event to broader immigration issues without facts.
Police and Government Response
Police Scotland acted fast to counter the rumors. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell stated that misinformation harms investigations and urged people to avoid speculation.
They thanked the community for help and emphasized ongoing probes. No evidence supported claims of harassment against the girl or her group.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney condemned the spread of false info. He accused those amplifying it of undermining community trust and cohesion.
This response aligns with efforts to maintain public order. Officials noted that sharing unverified details could prejudice the case and affect those involved.
| Key Statements from Officials | Details |
|---|---|
| Police Scotland Warning | “Do not share misinformation about this incident or speculate on the circumstances.” |
| First Minister’s Comment | “People like Elon Musk are trying to undermine community cohesion with deliberate misinformation.” |
| Investigation Update | A 12-year-old charged; case referred to children’s hearing system. |
Public Reaction and Broader Impact
The story sparked divided opinions online and in communities. Some hailed the girl as a symbol of resistance, leading to donations and supportive memes.
Others criticized the rush to judgment, pointing out risks to innocent people like the Bulgarian couple. The man who filmed the incident spoke out, clarifying he was not harassing anyone and felt threatened himself.
This case highlights growing concerns over online misinformation in 2025. Similar events, like recent UK debates on immigration and youth safety, show how social media can fuel tensions.
Experts note that false narratives often tie into wider fears about crime and migration. In Scotland, police have handled over 500 misinformation reports this year alone, up from 300 in 2024.
Communities in Dundee have called for calm. Local groups stress unity and accurate reporting to prevent division.
Why This Matters Now
Incidents like this reveal the power of social media in shaping public views. With rising online activity, misinformation can lead to real-world harm, such as threats or unfair targeting.
In 2025, global figures like Musk continue to influence discussions, sometimes sparking international backlash. This Dundee case joins others where unproven claims escalated into major stories.
Balancing free speech with truth remains key. Authorities push for fact-checking before sharing, aiming to protect vulnerable groups like children and migrants.
It also raises questions on youth behavior and support systems. Programs in Scotland focus on early intervention to guide young people away from trouble.
What do you think about how social media handles such stories? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread this article to help inform others accurately.
