Crackdown on online hatred now necessary

The family of Sheku Bayoh have suffered incredibly since his death in 2015. Their personal grief at his loss has been one thing.

But they have also had to endure years of speculation and scrutiny about the exact circumstances of his death in Kirkcaldy.

An ongoing inquiry into his death will hopefully provide definitive answers on that front.

Whatever conclusions it may draw, no one could doubt that Sheku’s family have been through the mill.

It is sad, therefore, to hear that the family’s pain is being compounded by torrents of online racist abuse.

Lord Bracadale, who is presiding at the inquiry, yesterday addressed the situation and said some of the online posts aimed at the family amounted to hate crime.

Given the toxic nature of much posted on social media, it is sadly not surprising such abuse has been forthcoming.

The time is long past for a more wholehearted crackdown on online abuse and the real hurt it causes.

Wherever it occurs it should be fully investigated by the authorities and those behind the hateful comments brought to book.

There are laws but the internet in great part remains lawless.

Posts aimed at Sheku Bayoh’s family amount to hate crime