The single Scottish Police force, Police Scotland, is currently investigating an abusive Tweet sent to columnist and author Toby Young, live during his appearance on Newsnight.
The Force Twitter feed described Young as a “making a right tit of it” on air.
Toby Young was appearing on Newsnight alongside Stella Creasy MP, debating the torrent of abuse she had received on Twitter, including rape threats.
During the programme, @Police Scotland Tweeted: “A revelation for #newsnight (UK) viewing tonight seeing @toadmeister make a right tit of it with @stellacreasy”
Just had to block @policescotland, the official police Scotland twitter feed, for abusing me on twitter. This is getting weird
— Toby Young (@toadmeister) July 30, 2013
This morning, Police Scotland apologised for the act, and announced that it was undertaking an investigation.
“We apologise for the tweet sent to @toadmeister & for any upset caused. The matter is being investigated & we're reviewing Twitter access,” it said. The offending tweet has been deleted.
We apologise for the tweet sent to @toadmeister & for any upset caused. The matter is being investigated & we're reviewing Twitter access.
— Police Scotland (@policescotland) July 31, 2013
Immediately after the broadcast, Young blocked the police twitter account, and told his 37,000 followers: “Just had to block @policescotland, the official police Scotland twitter feed, for abusing me on twitter. This is getting weird,” he said. He later adopted a conciliatory tone.
“If you're asked at work about that inappropriate tweet tomorrow, you can tell them I wasn't offended and won't complain,” he said in a Tweet to @policescotland immediately after the broadcast.