Two teenagers are due to appear in court today in connection with messages posted on Facebook allegedly encouraging people to start rioting.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested yesterday afternoon following an operation by Strathclyde Police in the south side of Glasgow.

It is alleged the message posted on the social networking site incited others to commit acts of disorder in the area following public unrest in several cities across England.



He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

Tayside Police confirmed an 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with Facebook entries encouraging others to show up in Dundee city centre with weapons to riot.

The force said it had taken "robust and proportionate action" and was following positive lines of inquiry to identify others who may be inciting people to cause public disorder.

The teenager is expected to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court today.

The Strathclyde force said there was no intelligence to suggest there is any trouble planned in the city, and officers will continue to monitor the situation.

Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Taylor, Strathclyde Police Operational Support, said the force would take "decisive action" to prevent anyone inciting violence in the Glasgow area.

She said: "Let there be no mistake, we are ready for any eventuality and will take any action necessary to prevent this kind of abhorrent behaviour."

West Yorkshire Police said a 19-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of encouraging violent disorder after posting a Facebook invitation to a "riot" in Wakefield.

The force said there were no riots in Leeds, but "isolated pockets of disorder" which were dealt with by officers.

Police attended an Asda store in Huddersfield and secured the building after reports of theft.

An Essex Police spokesman said an 18-year-old man from Grays and a 16-year-old youth from South Ockendon were arrested late last night on suspicion of incitement to commit violent disorder.

Both are alleged to have used social networking sites and messaging systems to encourage others to gather and become involved in violent disorder in Essex and London. Both remain in police custody.

The spokesman added: "Police will continue to monitor such sites for any unlawful activity and will act swiftly to prevent disorder."

A 17-year-old boy from Clacton, who was arrested yesterday afternoon after comments were published on Facebook encouraging people to gather at a location in Essex and cause disorder, has been released on police bail until August 23.