Family’s plea to Facebook hate mob

AN OUTPOURING of emotions prompted Nellie’s family to discourage mob-hatred through a Facebook group.

Rest in Peace Nellie, a group set up on the social networking site, has garnered more than 800 fans with dozens posting their feelings about her death.

Yet things took a sinister turn when someone posted a picture of a noose and a raft of commentators expressed their anger and disgust.

Phrases like “die in hell” and “scumbag” were used.

Several people said that they knew the names of those arrested. It prompted a friend of the family to take a stand on the site and call for the comments to stop.

Christine Brown said: “Nellie’s daughter doesn’t want mob hatred, she wants the people who did this brought to justice. Wait while someone is proved guilty by a court of law.

“Please show a bit of respect for Nellie’s family they don’t want hatred in their mother’s name.”

The creator of the page has since responded and urged people to stick to tributes.

They posted: “From now on, let this just be about Nellie. I know some people are in fear of this turning into an hate mob, so let’s stamp that out.”

Most of the posts did pay tribute to the 79-year-old, with many simply posting “RIP”. Emma Wharton wrote: “God rest your soul Nellie, and hope you are in the arms of your husband.”

Margaret Costello said simply: “Words fail me.”