Why has a blog about parenting become the target for online harassers?

Justine Roberts, the founder of Mumsnet – the UK's largest forum for parents – says armed police were called to her home following a hoax call made by an online troll.

Ken McKay/ITV / Rex/REX USA

The hoax call was a "swat attack," in which police storm the victim's home following a false claim of a crime taking place in or nearby the property.

Swat attacks, which are more commonly seen in the US, and are often done to intimidate and threaten intended victims.

The Metropolitan police have yet to comment on the hoax calls.

An armed response team turned up at my house last week in the middle of the night, after reports of a gunman prowling around.

A Mumsnet user who engaged with @DadSecurity on Twitter was warned to "prepare to be swatted by the best" in a tweet that included a picture of a swat team, after which police arrived at her house late at night following a report of gunshots.

Needless to say, she and her young family were pretty shaken up. It's worth saying that we don't believe these addresses were gained directly from any Mumsnet hack, as we don't collect addresses. The police are investigating both instances.

Over the last week, Mumsnet – which has 1.6 million users – and its founder Roberts have become the target of an online harassment campaign.

Mumsnet

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