Alleged police informants and drug dealers named online

Graffiti including the words "grass" and "snitch" appeared after two lists of names were circulated on social media

Residents in a north Wales town have said they are concerned about community tensions after alleged police informants and drug dealers were named in online posts.

Two lists of names were widely shared on social media platforms earlier this week, one naming alleged drug dealers in north-west Wales and the other alleged police informants in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, and the surrounding area.

"I think it is truly shocking," Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville-Roberts told Newyddion S4C.

North Wales Police said they were aware social media posts had circulated "that may have caused concern within the community", adding they were "working to manage the impact on local residents".

One person has been arrested and bailed in connection with the graffiti, police have confirmed

Abusive graffiti was subsequently daubed in several prominent places in Caernarfon. One person has been arrested and bailed in relation to it.

Some people in the area said they were now concerned about potential reprisals.

Ms Liz Saville-Roberts, who represents the area in Westminster, said she shared people's concerns.

"This is not the sort of thing we are used to happening," she said.

"This is a live event so there is only so much we can talk about but nonetheless I think it is truly shocking and I would urge the police to do everything they can to make sure people feel safe in their homes and their communities."

Cai Larsen, a councillor in Caernarfon, said the graffiti was "extremely unfortunate" and had caused "considerable unease".

North Wales Police confirmed it was aware of the social media posts and was working with local residents to manage concerns.

"We also received reports of graffiti in the town centre and can confirm that a man has been arrested in connection with this," it said.

"He has since been released on police bail whilst our investigation continues.

"An increased police presence was visible in the Pendalar area of Caernarfon yesterday, where three men were arrested in connection with an unrelated matter."