KINGSTON, Jamaica — The police have confirmed that messages circulating on social media detailing an alleged case of kidnapping in Liguanea, St Andrew are false.

St Andrew Central lawmen and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) leadership in a statement on Saturday assured members of the public that the area is safe and persons are free to conduct their lawful business.

The message in question had claimed that there had been several attempted abductions of female shoppers at different supermarkets.

The JCF statement came with a warning for social media users as lawmen urged residents to be responsible and mindful of the effect that rumours and messages can have on the public at large.

“Making false statements that induce fear or anxiety among the general public goes beyond the line of free speech, and persons may be arrested and charged for their actions. Members of the public are also being urged to, as far as possible, verify information before sharing, and be sceptical of messages that are alarmist and inflammatory in nature,” the police said.