POLICE are raising awareness about 10 less well-known apps and chat tools used by paedophiles to contact young people online.

Worryingly, these apps have featured in a range of recent investigations into child abuse, indecent images of children, sexual communication with a child offences, said North Yorkshire Police.

Apps such as Whisper and Kik are increasingly featuring in such cases, which require extensive enquiries by the force’s Digital Forensics Unit to secure key evidence.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

More information, support and reporting

  • Child Exploitation Online Protection command (CEOP) – www.ceop.police.uk/
  • NSPCC Helplines: Help for adults concerned about a child – call 0808 800 5000; Help for children and young people – call Childline on 0800 1111; Go to www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
  •  If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response
  • You can also contact Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.