POLICE have urged residents to not take the law into their own hands - after a man was taken to hospital with suspected broken legs following 'false' reports of a stabbing in Wath.
Officers had received reports earlier today (June 14) that a man had been seen carrying a knife on Sandymount Road.
The police attended the scene and deployed a drone but were unable to find the man.
Rumours had then circulated on social media of a stabbing in the area - but South Yorkshire Police have confirmed this is not true.
Rotherham Superintendent Andy Wright said: “Throughout today we have responded to three reports about a man being seen with a knife in Wath.
"Numerous resources responded to each report and a drone was deployed across the area, but were unable to locate anyone nearby.
“Ambulance crews then responded to a woman on Denman Road at 5.45pm after receiving reports she’d been stabbed.
"The crew confirmed her injuries were due to a pre-existing medical condition and she had not suffered any stab wounds.
"There appears to be no connection between this incident and the earlier reports.
“Following rumours on social media, members of the community appear to have taken to the law in to their own hands which has led to significant disorder at an address on Wath Road.
"As a result, one man is now in hospital with suspected broken legs.
“I would like to reassure the community that a high number of officers, including specialist resources, remain in the area.
"Whilst I appreciate hearing things like this are incredibly concerning, I want to remind everyone to avoid further speculation and not take matters in to their own hands, while allowing us to carry out our enquiries."
The incident number to quote is 527 of 14 June if you have any information.
