'Racist and threatening comments' investigation launched after MP visits Fife Islamic Centre

An investigation into offensive online communications has been launched after an MP posted a photo online of her visit to Kirkcaldy Islamic Centre.

Melanie Ward MP visited the premises on January 3 alongside the local Church of Scotland minister, Police, and Claire Baker MSP to show “support and solidarity” after an alleged disturbance involving two men with meat cleavers took place in the building’s car park on Boxing Day.

Two men have appeared in court in connection with the incident.

Michael Williamson from St Andrews was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour, carrying an offensive weapon and resisting an officer.

The 46-year-old made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Craig Robertson from Glenrothes was charged with careless driving, driving under the influence, driving without a licence, threatening and abusive behaviour, and carrying an offensive weapon.

The man, also aged 46, made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Police Scotland confirmed there was no hate crime element to the disturbance.

Following the incident, Labour MP Ward posted a picture of her visit to the mosque on social media, however said she has been left “disgusted” by some of the comments made.

She said: “The level of racism, hatred and vitriol written by people on that post was so appalling that I had to switch off the comment function, and delete some of the worst abuse. The Police have been investigating whether some of those abusive posts meet a criminal threshold.

“I am disgusted that people – most of whom are not from Kirkcaldy or from Fife – would seek to stir up hatred and division in this way. I know that most local people will join me in rejecting this.

“Standing alongside a local group threatened by a meat cleaver is not a controversial thing for a local MP to do; it is the right thing to do. Our community solidarity is one of our area’s greatest strengths and I will never stand by whilst outsiders seek to cause harm and sow division.”

Police Scotland has confirmed comments on the post are being assessed to establish whether there is “any criminality”.

A spokesperson from the force said: “A report in relation to offensive online communication has been received. It is being assessed regarding any criminality.”