A MAN who was arrested by police yesterday as part of an investigation that inappropriate messages were allegedly sent to Weymouth schoolchildren has been released on bail.

Dorset Police worked with colleagues in London to make an arrest and seize equipment from an address in the capital yesterday. A 26-year-old London man was held on suspicion of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

It comes after police were made aware of inappropriate messages sent via social media to Budmouth College pupils in September.

The Echo reported at the time that police were working with school staff to identify victims and provide online safety messages to pupils.

Inquiries led police to believe children at The Wey Valley School could also be affected.

Weymouth CID detectives have continued to work with the schools and Dorset Social Services, and as part of the inquiry officers said an arrest was made yesterday morning.

Detective Inspector Neil Devoto of Weymouth CID said: “These incidents had a negative impact over the past few months, directly or indirectly, on the lives of a significant number of young people and parts of the community in Weymouth.

“We take this type of crime very seriously. Through working closely with the young victims, who provided excellent information, we were able to identify a suspect living in London.

“Officers from Weymouth CID assisted in a joint operation with the Metropolitan Police, which resulted in an arrest of a 26-year-old London man on suspicion of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and the seizure of significant evidence.”

Police confirmed the man had been released on bail pending further enquiries.

David Akers, principal at Budmouth College said: “We have been delighted by the response of our students, parents and staff to this incident which I understand affected students across the county.

“As a college we have a comprehensive programme for all students about the dangers of inappropriate use of social media.”

A children’s charity has highlighted the difficulties facing parents to track what children are looking at online.

CONSEQUENCES OF GOING ONLINE

Claude Knights, CEO of Kidscape said: “For any parent in the 21st century, it’s a big task to actually have the same level of online knowledge as their children.

“It’s not about scaring children into not using the internet, but ensuring that people know the risks.

“A lot of young people do not use the privacy settings on social media so they do not realise a lot of things they post can be seen by everyone.”

Giving a general warning about internet safety, Ms Knights added: “There is a lot that people can do to protect themselves.

“All schools should also be looking at their internet policies and ensuring children are protected.

“When we are young we think we are immortal.

“But it is important for families to be aware that cyberspace is real enough that there are real consequences.”