Police in Derry City & Strabane are urging the public to be vigilant following a recent increase in reports of online blackmail involving intimate or sexual content, commonly referred to as 'sextortion’.

Chief Inspector Cherith Craig said: "'Sextortion, particularly where a child victim is involved, is a heinous and disgusting crime. The perpetrators want to shame their victims into keeping quiet about their ordeal and blackmail them for money."

She offered a direct message to potential victims, especially young people: "I want any young person out there who may be experiencing this to know that police are here to help you. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You can contact us in confidence and you will be treated with dignity and respect.”

The PSNI has issued the following online safety advice to help protect individuals: • Avoid compromising situations: Do not allow yourself to be lured or pressured into situations that make you uncomfortable. Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable interactions immediately.

• Online permanence: Always remember that content shared online can potentially remain accessible indefinitely.

• Be cautious with online connections: Be wary about who you invite or accept invitations from on social networking sites. Do not accept friendship requests from individuals you do not know.

• Review privacy settings: Regularly update the privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure only known contacts can view your profile. Avoid including sensitive or private information in your online profiles.

For further information on sextortion and details of organisations that can provide support, the public is encouraged to visit the PSNI website at www.psni.police.uk/sextortion.

To report an incident, police can be contacted by calling 101 or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. In an emergency, always dial 999.