A man repeatedly shared offensive posts online "which encouraged violence and anger towards minority communities".

Sean Dowd, 61, of Edgar Street, Ramsbottom, was arrested by counter terrorism officers in March this year after he was identified as the man behind a social media account which shared scores of antisemitic, racist and xenophobic posts.

A number of these posts encouraged violence against various communities and praised those who had previously carried out terrorist attacks.

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At the time of his arrest, Dowd’s social media account had 200 followers and the bio on his profile stated, “smiling and sharpening my knife”.

He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of publishing/distributing written material, which was threatening, abusive or insulting, intending thereby to stir up racial hatred contrary to Section 19(1) of the Public Order Act 1986.

He also pleaded guilty to three counts of publishing/distributing written material which was threatening, intending to stir up religious hatred contrary to Section 29(C) of the Public Order Act 1986.

Dowd was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday, July 25 to two years and three months in prison.

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Speaking after the sentencing, head of Counter Terrorism Police North West (CTPNW) Investigations, Detective Superintendent Andy Meeks, said: “Over several months, Sean Dowd repeatedly shared offensive posts online which encouraged violence and anger towards minority communities.

“Unfortunately, we know all too well just how serious an impact the online activity of hateful individuals can have so I welcome the custodial sentence imposed by the judge.

“This is another case which highlights the potential dangers of negative online activity so I would like to take this opportunity to continue to urge anybody who comes across hateful, violent, or extremist content to please report it to the police urgently so that action can be taken.”