A false claim on Facebook that got out of hand in Helston has led police to issue a warning about the rise in cyber bullying.

A spokesman said officers were receiving “increasing numbers of calls” from people who had been abused or harassed through digital communications such as emails, Twitter and Facebook.

Falmouth Police recently investigated a case in Helston where a comment was placed on a person’s Facebook page.

Although the comment was untrue and the offender was dealt with for the offence, the damage was done and a “snowball effect” developed, with many people believing the original statement.

Sergeant Martin Roberts, who covers Falmouth and Helston, said: “Individuals believing this lie took it upon themselves to express their thoughts and opinions towards the victim. This resulted with the victim being harassed both in person and through different types of social media.

“The victim then retaliated and in the process they also became subject to a police investigation.”

Cyber-bullying refers to people who deliberately use highly offensive, indecent, threatening or false words to upset or offend another person on the internet.

Sgt Roberts said on some occasions initial conversations that began amicably turned into an argument and were then followed by threats and abuse.

There were also incidents where false allegations are made about an individual. This message was then viewed by many and copied to even more Facebook users.

“Within a short period of time the initial incorrect message has been read and believed, creating further hostility towards the victim,” he said.

“Social media should not be used to insult, humiliate, harass or abuse individuals.”

He advised anyone falling victim to this kind of behaviour should report the matter to Facebook, using the drop down menu on “message” and then clicking on “report.”

If the abuse was really serious then it must be reported to the police using the 101 telephone number and the incident will then be investigated.

“The offender should expect to be spoken to by the police, where they could find themselves being prosecuted for any offences disclosed,” added Sgt Roberts.

He advised not responding to the “troll”, blocking the “troll”, changing privacy settings, talking to a family member or friend, reporting the abuse to the site owner, keeping a record of any aggressive or intimidating messages, posts, pictures or videos, and reporting it to police if really serious.