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West Midlands Police have issued a warning after hoax reports about attacks on Muslims were circulated on social media.

The faked news included allegations a hammer thug attackubg people on Clevedon Road, Balsall Heath - with other images in bogus stories reportedly showing women who had been assaulted.

All of the claims were discovered to be false following a police probe.

Police said one assault shared on social media had actually occurred in the United States, with a faked image of the victim used.

In a rare move West Midlands Police tweeted a warning asking the public to check the accuracy and ‘exercise caution’ before sharing images over social media channels.

The statement entitled ‘Hoax/Fake messages’ read: “Over the last few days a number of stories and images have been circulating about assaults and attacks on the Muslim community.

“We have looked into these and can assure you that they are a hoax.

“Information about a man with a hammer assaulting people on Clevedon Road yesterday was false information.

“There are 2 images circulating of women who have been assaulted. One of the ladies in the red scarf is the victim of an assault however this has occurred in Ohio, USA.

“The other of a lady in a green scarf is not a victim of an assault but the work of a Malaysian make up artist for a production.

“We urge anyone to exercise caution when sharing news/images particularly on social media.

“Please be responsible and check the accuracy of what you are sharing so that you do not cause unnecessary distress and fear in the community. Thank you.”

On Wednesday, Springfield Police took to Twitter after reports started surfacing of a man armed with a hammer attacking people on Clevedon Road. Officers said: “There is a FALSE story being circulated on social media of a man assaulted with a hammer, Clevedon Rd, Balsall Heath today.”

West Midlands Police has also taken to Twitter to deny claims from controversial columnist Katie Hopkins that Birmingham had ‘no-go areas’.

Birmingham East Police Response Team took to Twitter to dismiss the claims and urge followers: “Lots of nonsense today about ‘no go zones’ in B’ham for the police. If anyone can actually name 1 (on patch)I’ll prove you wrong next shift!”