10 Facebook death threats each week

Shock cop figures on web hate

POLICE probe at least 10 death threats on Facebook a week.

They reported investigating 340 cases over the past year.

However, the real tally is feared to be nearer 500, because only 29 of the 43 forces answered a Freedom of Information request about threats.

The stats come as Prince William accused social media giants of failing to tackle the issue and putting “profits before values”.

A man in Teesside vowed to torch his ex-partner’s daughter. Another ghoul threatened to kill a woman’s unborn baby and tie her to rail tracks in North Wales.

In Durham, a man told his ex: “I’m sending the boys to get your mam and that brat. You will see when you have the police telling you they died.”

And in Dyfed-Powys someone threatened to kill a neighbour and their dog in a parking row.

Celebs who have been threatened with death online include former Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge

(left), Towie’s Mario Falcone and Chelsea midfielder Karen Carney. Prince William, 36, blasted the behaviour of tech giants during a visit to the BBC with wife Kate last week.

He said: “Their self-image is so grounded in their positive power for good that they seem unable to engage in constructive discussion about the social problems they are creating.” He called on them to do more to protect their users from bullying, mental health issues, trolling and extremism.

They were distracted by “shareholders and profits” instead of focusing on users’ concerns.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “Reports of online abuse are increasing. Work is ongoing to respond to the changing environment.”

CONCERN William and Kate at BBC