SCHOOLCHILDREN are being targeted by older men trying to groom them using social media. 

Two social media accounts; 'CraigDavis1999' and 'James Hammond' had been sending inappropriate messages to children in the Bracknell area. 

Bracknell Forest Council sent a text message to parents of schoolchildren in the town suggesting they check for any messages sent from either of the two accounts to their child.

Snapchat is an app which is not intended for use for anyone below the age of 13, and involves sending messages behind an account that doesn't require a profile image.

Thames Valley Police released the following statement: "Several incidents of sexual grooming were reported to us at the end of September, following reports that two social media profiles ‘CraigDavis1999’ and ‘JamesHammond’ were making contact with individuals on snapchat. We are currently investigating these reports.

"We would advise social media users to be careful about how much personal information you choose to share. Once you post or share something on any social media platform it’s out of your control and could be shared by others, even if you delete it. Make sure you don’t add or accept requests from people you don’t know."

No arrests have been made at that time. 

Police also issued advice for parents, which can be found at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/advice/protecting-yourself-and-others/cyber-crime-and-online-safety/.

Nikki Edwards, director of children, young people and learning at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “We are aware of an ongoing safeguarding issue which we are supporting Thames Valley Police with where necessary.

"As this is a police matter, we are unable to comment any further."