UPDATED: Police say they have been made aware by education establishments and young people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight of suspicious friend requests being made through sites such as Facebook; describing those making contact as being from Islamic State or ‘ISIS’.
Recipients of these friend requests have reported that the names of those making contact are ‘unusual’ and have ‘funny’ symbols. Fears have been sparked that these accounts are targeting young people to become extremists – which PREVENT has been set up to tackle – although it is currently unclear if these requests are specifically intended to target just young people or if this is an issue being encountered by people of all ages.
In response to this information, Hampshire Constabulary say safeguarding young and vulnerable people is their priority, raising awareness of the matter both directly and through parents, carers and relevant professionals.
Islanders are being advised to make young and vulnerable people aware of this risk by speaking to them, reassuring them that they can speak to you and warn them NOT to accept friend requests from ANY person they don’t know, particularly from those who appear to be linked to extremist/terrorist groups.
Officers are further investigating these requests and will provide ongoing communication of information as it becomes available.
Island Echo yesterday reported how security officials fear an attack on the UK’s shipping is possible, with Southampton being named as a potential target.
This week Cllr Dave Stewart has also made calls for the Island’s emergency planning arrangements and local contingency plans to be reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose for fear of possible terrorism here in the light of the Paris attacks by Islamic extremists.
Anyone with concerns of such friend requests or anyone who requires further advice should contact [email protected].
UPDATE MONDAY: Hampshire Constabulary say enquiries with the students who initially reported this matter have since revealed that the male adults who made contact on Facebook are probably not ISIS members.
Police originally said students from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight had reported such suspicious activity, however it has today been revealed it was limited to just one Hampshire secondary school.
Information on Hampshire Constabulary’s ‘PREVENT’ strategy to advise the public to stop people from becoming or supporting terrorists can be found here.
