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A BBC South East journalist was shaken after a screaming man threw hot chocolate over her in Brighton.

Lauren Moss, political editor for the news programme, said the man approached her while she was 'just doing her job' shouting about how he 'hates the BBC'.

Thankfully she wasn't hurt, but Lauren wanted to share what happened to show the extent of 'anti-media feeling'.

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Taking to Twitter, Lauren wrote: "Pretty distressing day in Brighton so far.

"A member of the public threw a cup of hot chocolate at me and screamed abuse about how he hates the BBC, literally moments before I went on air for @bbcsoutheast this lunchtime.

"Luckily the drink missed my face and hit my coat instead.

"Someone may not approve of my work or who I work for but I am a journalist just doing my job.

"Anti-media feeling like this is very concerning for anyone in the industry."

A BBC spokesman said: “Nothing is more important than the safety of our staff.

“This has been reported to the police.”

'Unacceptable assault'

Lauren's tweet attracted more than 1,000 retweets and around 4,000 likes.

Many were disgusted with what happened and took to social media to offer the broadcast journalist some comfort.

Louise Third said: "I was having a conversation only this morning about anti journalist / BBC feeling and what we might do to help people to re-engage and care about 'truth'. But this is assault so I truly hope you reported it - literally!"

And Steve Bradshaw added: "That's b****y awful.

"Why all of a sudden do idiots feel they need to resort to extremes to 'have their say'. It's the 'listen to my opinion' brigade that's got out of hand!"

Former BBC South East colleague Polly Evans also waded into the discussion, writing: "I hope you’re ok Lauren, that sounds awful."

And Nick May, chief superintendent for Sussex Police and divisional commander for Brighton and Hove encouraged her to report the incident.

He said: "Lauren. Please do report this incident to Sussex Police. On line via our website or via 101. This is totally unacceptable in Brighton or anywhere and is an assault."

After the show of support, Lauren later added: "Thank you all very much for your kind messages of support.

"Luckily I wasn’t hurt, nor was the cameraman, but I was shaken up and it could’ve been worse.

"I think it is important to raise this and discuss it though as a wider issue and concern for all journalists. Thanks again."

'Blame the BBC'

Not everyone in Lauren's mentions was as sympathetic however.

One blamed Britain's recent exit from the EU for incidents like Lauren's, posting: "Brexit has utterly destroyed this country with division, rancour and anger."

While others were quick to blame the BBC itself, accusing the broadcaster of bias.

A user called 'Desperate Dan' wrote: "The BBC encourages the public to throw liquids over people whose opinions they don’t like. Milkshakes, acid, you name it."

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And Julie Balfour said: "I wouldn’t work for the bias channel personally, don’t blame the public, blame the @bbc."

Clearly enraged, Jon Harper added: "Past sympathising at this point. The media are a tumour on society. End the BBC poll tax."