Mob mistakes man for sex abuser

Sarah Payne's murder has stirred strong emotions

A mob has attacked the home of a man after mistaking him for one of the paedophiles "named and shamed" by a Sunday newspaper.

Iain Armstrong, 49, of Bradford, Greater Manchester, was confronted by residents who thought he was a child abuser named by The News of the World following of the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne.

Yesterday's incident demonstrates how people with no connections to these stories can become victims

Asst Chf Con Alan Green

Police said a panic button had been installed in Mr Armstrong's house out of fears for his safety. It was activated at 2100 GMT on Sunday after a brick was thrown through the window of a neighbouring property.

The News of the World's decision to publish its list of known child abusers has already been condemned amid fears it will encourage such vigilante attacks on both convicted paedophiles and innocent people.

'Irresponsible reaction'

When police arrived at the man's house, they found a crowd of 12 women and children on the street outside.

No one was arrested for the damage and the mob dispersed after being spoken to by officers.

It was believed that the women thought Mr Armstrong was Peter Smith, 60, of Warrington who was pictured in Sunday's The News of the World wearing a similar neck brace.

Assistant Chief Constable with Greater Manchester Police Alan Green said the incident was an "irresponsible reaction of emotive stories in a national newspaper".

He said: "Greater Manchester Police will take the strongest possible action against those who take the law into their own hands.

"We fully support the views expressed by Tony Butler, the Chief Constable of Gloucestershire and yesterday's incident demonstrates how people with no connections to these stories can become victims."

Home office minister Paul Boateng has described the newspaper's action as "unhelpful," saying paedophiles were best dealt with under existing laws by police and probation officers.

Shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe said: "This incident shows that the News of the World, whatever their intentions may have been, are inciting a lynch mob mentality."

The paper says parents have a right to know the whereabouts of people who may pose a threat to their children.