Warning over man targeting schoolboys on WhatsApp

Schools in an area of Greater Manchester have warned parents about a man targeting boys on social media and asking for videos.

Parents in Trafford have been urged to check their children's WhatsApp and other social media accounts after reports that an American man was making contact with boys around the Year 7 age, typically 11 or 12 years old.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers from its Child Protection Investigation Unit are investigating the matter.

The man had reportedly been added into WhatsApp groups where he was able to access phone numbers of boys.

According to reports from schools in the area he then made contact via "text and video calls late at night".

An email from one school, seen by the BBC, said: "The male's behaviour and language is sexual and extremely inappropriate.

"He has asked pupils to film/photograph themselves. He is thought to have multiple different profile pages and accounts across multiple platforms."

The school urged parents to check their child's phone for unfamiliar contacts, unusual group chats and suspicious messages, particularly on WhatsApp.

It also recommended being alert for any "secretive behaviour" or their children using their devices late at night.

A spokesperson for GMP said: "We are working with schools to safeguard our children, as their protection is our utmost priority."

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