THREE people have been arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after a photograph and comments about a police officer were posted on Facebook.

A 33-year-old man from the Graig-y-Rhacca area of Caerphilly, a 31-year-old man from the Lansbury Park area and a 30-year-old woman from the Aberbargoed area have been arrested released on bail, pending further enquiries.

The Gwent Police officer was on duty in Bedwas, near Caerphilly over the weekend when the alleged abuse was posted.

Senior Police Officer for Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen, Superintendent Marc Budden said: “Whether this type of offence is carried out against a member of the public or one of our own police officers, our response will always be swift and thorough. This behaviour, whether in person, via text, social media or online, is unacceptable and there will always be consequences to those who decide to act in this way.”

GWENT Police has issued the following advice about using social media and the malicious communications act.

Users should be as careful on social media as with any other form of communication.

Saying something about someone which is grossly offensive or is of an indecent, obscene or menacing character, could be reported to the police and face an investigation, and a possible fine or a term of up to six months imprisonment, under legislation which includes the Malicious Communications Act.

Anyone who feels that a message about themselves is grossly offence should tell the person to stop and block, un-follow or unfriend them. Change the privacy setting and report the messages to the social media provider.

Report messages to the police if messages are threatening and frightening, or if abusive because of a disability, race,. Sexual orientation or religion.

Take a screen shot for evidence and save the message and any offending photos or film and record abusive phone calls on your mobile, telling the person they are being recorded.

Contact us by calling 101 or in an emergency, dial 999.