UPDATED: A 31-year-old woman from Newport has been arrested by Police as part of an investigation into an alleged act of online grooming.
Officers made an arrest yesterday morning (Saturday) following initial investigations made by ‘The Guardians of the North’, a well-known paedophile ‘vigilante’ group.
The unnamed female is accused of inciting a child – a 13-year-old female decoy – to engage in sexual activity. The alleged offences are also said to include sending naked photographs of herself to the decoy, who she believed to be underage.
The ‘Guardians’ travelled the length of the country and across the Solent to the suspect’s address in Newport on Friday afternoon before alerting the Police.
Hampshire Constabulary arrested the woman early yesterday morning before taking her to Newport Police Station for questioning.
Established in April 2016, The Guardians of the North have been aiding in ensuring the safety of children online for the past 18 months.
UPDATE @ 13:50 – Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed that the 31-year-old woman has been questioned and released on bail as enquiries continue.
She is to return to Newport Police Station on 1st December.
