A Southport man has been arrested after he was alleged to have been caught in an online child sexual exploitation trap.
The 70-year-old man has not been charged with any offence but was arrested by police after being confronted on his doorstep by a social media group whose work is related to exposing paedophiles.
The man was arrested by police just days after the video was published online, and the group gave detectives a file of ‘evidence’.
Police say they arrested the man on suspicion of sexual communication with a child.
He has since been bailed, and a full police-led investigation is ongoing.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “A 70-year-old man from Southport has been arrested on suspicion of sexual communication with a child on Sunday 28 April.
“He has since been bailed and a police investigation is ongoing.
“If you are a victim of a sexual offence or concerned for the safety of someone you know or suspect anyone to be engaging in this criminal activity, please come forward and speak to us.
“Merseyside Police have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.
“If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:
NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk.
Childline – call 0800 1111
“If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.
“You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
“There is a lot of support available from specialist officers within Merseyside Police and through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service delivered jointly by two registered charities.
“In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801”