A United Kingdom councillor has been charged over a social media post in which he suggested that Nigerians should be "melted down and fill in the potholes."
Glenn Gibbins, a 66-year-old councillor of the Reform UK party, was charged under the Communications Act 2003 following an investigation by Northumbria Police.
The charge relates to a social media post made in 2024 that targeted Nigerians living in his local community. In the post, Gibbins wrote: "Carnt believe amount of nigerians in town…..should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!"
Northumbria Police said officers were made aware of the post in May before launching an investigation. The case file was subsequently submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charge.
In a statement, the police said, "We are aware there has already been significant interest in relation to this individual and the social media post. We would urge people not to speculate, both online and in the community, in relation to this case."
The force confirmed that Gibbins, who is from the Sunderland area, is scheduled to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on August 21.
Reports indicate that Reform UK had previously suspended Gibbins after the post came to light but later reinstated him following an internal investigation and the issuance of a final written warning.
Reacting to the development, a spokesperson for Reform UK said the party is aware of the case and "will monitor the verdict closely."
The case has attracted public attention in the UK due to the nature of the remarks and the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the social media post.
