A 59-year-old resident of Great Harwood has been detained by police following allegations of sending racist and offensive messages to England football player Jess Carter.
The suspect was taken into custody on charges of malicious communications but has subsequently been freed pending further investigation.
Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrest forms part of their inquiry into abusive messages targeting the England defender.
The detention represents the latest development in authorities' efforts to combat racist harassment directed at professional athletes through social media platforms.
Jess Carter suffered online racial abuse during the Euros | PAPolice have indicated their investigation remains active as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged offensive communications.
Mark Roberts, Cheshire's Chief Constable who serves as the National Police Chief Council's football policing lead, delivered a forceful response to the incident.
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"The messages directed towards Jess Carter were appalling and I would like to commend her for standing up to this abuse and assisting with our investigation," Roberts stated.
"I expect that today's arrest will be the first of many over the coming months.
"We want to make it clear that racist abuse of this nature will not be tolerated.
"Everyone is responsible for what they do and say, and we want to ensure offenders cannot hide behind a social media profile to post vile comments."
Authorities have signalled their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for digital harassment, regardless of whether they attempt to conceal their identity through online accounts.
The warning comes as police intensify efforts to tackle racist abuse targeting athletes across social media channels.
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Jess Carter stepped away from social media after suffering from racist abuse
| PACarter revealed during the European Championship this summer that she had been targeted by abusive messages.
At the time, she said she would be stepping back from social media to "protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team anyway I can".
She added: "Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won't have to deal with it."
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The England Lionesses star suffered abuse online following her team's win over Sweden at Euro 2025
| PAFA chief executive Mark Bullingham said in a statement: "Our priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs. We strongly condemn those responsible for this disgusting racism.
"As soon as we were made aware of the racist abuse Jess received, we immediately contacted UK police.
"They are in touch with the relevant social media platform, and we are working with police to ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice."