More than 500 children identified as victims of online sex abuse

More than 500 children, some as young as three, have been identified as potential victims of online sexual abuse during a major police investigation.

As many as 30 million indecent images were recovered during Police Scotland's Operation Lattise, which has resulted in 77 people being charged so far.

Charges included rape, sharing indecent images of children, sexual extortion and grooming and indecent communication with children.

Of the 523 "victims or potential victims", 122 have been referred to child protection services.

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable (Major Crime and Public Protection), Malcolm Graham, said:

Mark McDonald, Early Years Minister, said: “Children and young people should be able to enjoy and learn from the internet, but we also want them to stay in control and know what to do and who to go to if they feel at risk.

“Keeping children safe is a priority for both Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, so although there are many positive aspects to the online world I recognise there are also risks we have to be aware of.

"The outcomes of the operation will help to inform our Child Protection Improvement Programme, where child internet safety and tackling child sexual exploitation is a priority.”