Man summonsed over abusive messages to Jess Carter

A man has been summonsed to court over abusive social media messages sent to England footballer Jess Carter.

Police began investigating after receiving reports the messages had been sent to the 27-year-old defender during the UEFA Women's Euros in July.

A 59-year-old man from Great Harwood, Lancashire, was arrested in August by Lancashire Police and has now been summonsed to appear at Blackburn Magistrates' Court on 9 January.

Cheshire Police said the man would be charged with making malicious communications following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Carter, from Warwick, previously said she was taking a step back from social media after she was targeted with racism online during the tournament.

Following the incident, the UK Football Policing Unit launched an investigation involving social media companies to track down those responsible for the messages.

"I would like to commend her for standing up to this abuse and assisting with our investigation," a spokesperson said.

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