POLICE have arrested a man and a woman over a 'misleading' Snapchat post inciting a 'violent' protest at a Cheshire Hotel.

Officers have not named the hotel, but the post, published on Sunday, August 4, contained misleading information stating it was home to asylum seekers.

Cheshire Police received several reports about the post from concerned members of the public.

An investigation was launched leading to the arrests of a 32-year-old man and 34-year-old woman, both from Chester, on Monday 5 August.

The pair were held on suspicion of racially aggravated harassment with intent to cause fear and violence before being released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

While the post didn’t directly trigger any disorder, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Betts said the force would take ‘robust action’ against any online actions fuelling ‘hate and disorder’.

Ch Supt Betts said: “I would like to thank the community for all their support during this investigation.

“As these arrests demonstrate, inciting violence online, whatever the motivation, will not be tolerated in Cheshire.

“We will take robust action against all those involved in such activity.

“These messages have been posted to cause hate and disorder in our communities.

“Anyone who is found to be encouraging such offences, either online or in person, will be dealt with."