Trainee local newspaper reporter targeted by far-right website

A trainee reporter at a local paper in Yorkshire has been targeted by a far-right website after it accused her of destroying a floral memorial to murdered soldier Lee Rigby.

The Doncaster Free Press reporter is being supported by her paper and told to work from home, along with other members of staff, according to the NUJ. The NUJ also says that the accusation against the reporter is false and a case of mistaken identity.

The Casuals United website, said by the NUJ to be affiliated to the English Defence League, has reported on an incident at an EDL rally in Sheffield six weeks ago. The blog has accused the reporter of ripping up flowers laid at the Sheffield cenotaph in memory of Rigby, who was killed in Woolwich, south London, in May

The website carried a picture of the journalist concerned, calling her a "little commie", and said that if she is not "dealt with we will be outside Doncaster Free Press until she is".

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “This is absolutely disgraceful. These thugs should be sought by the police and prosecuted. The NUJ will not tolerate these serious threats. This harassment must be taken seriously. We are offering all the support we can.

“This is yet another example of the EDL’s record of targeting the press. We know from experience that the EDL has attacked journalists and its members are capable of following up these threats. Attempts to prevent journalists working constitute a serious attack on press freedom and individual liberty; it must be dealt with.”