Police probe fake Facebook post about controversial Hooters set to open in Salford

Police are investigating the origin of a fake post on social media that suggests the decision to approve the Hooters licence at Salford Quays was to punish nearby residents for voting in a Liberal Democrat councillor.

The apparent Facebook post purports to be by senior Labour councillor Mike McCusker and uses offensive language. Coun McCusker categorically denies ever making such a post or holding such views.

A screenshot image of the post sent to the Manchester Evening News via the Local Democracy Reporting Service is shown to have been "liked" by colleagues Sharmina August and Jake Rowland. Coun August and Coun Rowland also deny ever seeing such or reacting in that way to such a post.

READ MORE: 'It's your problem to fix': Couple told by Salford council and United Utilities over broken drain

Following the offensive text, it also pretends to show City Mayor Paul Dennett posting "Delete!". Mr Dennett flatly denies ever making such a post.

Now, the commander of the City of Salford Police, Chief Superintendent Shaun Donnellan, said: "Greater Manchester Police have been alerted in relation to a document which purports to be from a social media account and contains a political message.

"Our experts have examined it in detail and I am satisfied it is totally fake and has never been posted on social media. My officers are making urgent enquiries to establish the identity of the offender(s) and any criminal offences committed will be pursued.”

The licence for Hooters on Salford Quays - where young women wearing running gear will serve customers - was controversially approved on Monday after a licensing panel hearing in the face of 91 objections.

The mayor's office made the complaint to GMP after a screenshot of the fake post