David Christian has spoken out about the damage caused by the spread of fake news on social media.

The leader of Douglas Council claims untruths are putting people off politics and that personal abuse takes its toll on the families of those targeted.

Speaking to local democracy reporter Chris Cave as part of a radio documentary, Mr Christian said: ’What is really bad about it is the way it affects those closest to you.

’In politics, you have got to have broad shoulders, you should be able to take it on the chin, but you should not have to take the personal abuse. And your loved ones should not have to read some of the stuff that is put online.’

Mr Christian wants to see sites such as Facebook policed better to stamp out misinformation.

He said: ’I am all for freedom of speech and open debate. That is the society we live in, and let us hope that never changes, but it must be correct what is being put on.’

When asked how social media sites should be policed, Mr Christian called for organisations themselves to step up and take more control.

’It has got to come down to the individuals and organisations who are posting, they have got to have some sort of ability to be scanning on a regular basis.

’Not just saying "this site is not manned, is not looked at. Until we get a complaint we do not do anything about the comments that are there."

’Because I am sorry, but that is shared and shared and shared and the damage is done.’