Backlash against police probe of Telegraph writer Allison Pearson over year-old racial hatred comment [Video]

Police face a growing backlash after it emerged a journalist is under criminal investigation for allegedly stirring up “racial hatred” over a year-old social media post.

They told Ms Pearson, 64, a complaint had been made to police in relation to a post on X, formerly Twitter, and she was invited to a voluntary interview.

Ms Pearson says the officers were not allowed to disclose the specific focus of their inquiry, but Essex Police deny this and add it is not a reflection of the conversation captured on body-worn video.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp, an ex-policing minister, told the Telegraph: “It is completely wrong that the journalist was not even told about the particulars of the allegation when she was doorstepped by the police, intruding into her Sunday morning without warning.

“I am deeply concerned this will have a chilling effect on free speech and free expression.”

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the behaviour “appalling”, adding: “How can …