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Six people in the Highland and Islands have been arrested following a crackdown on online child sexual abuse. They face prosecution over a total of 55 charges.

Across Scotland, the six week police operation resulted in 77 people being arrested and charged as result of 134 investigations. Over 30 million indecent images were recovered.

More than 500 children, between three and 18 years old, were identified as victims or potential victims of online child sexual abuse during Operation Lattise.

Charges include allegations over rape, sharing indecent images of children, grooming for sexual purposes, sexual extortion, indecent communication with children and bestiality.

Drugs offences and possession of a firearm also came to light during the investigation.  

Inverness-based detective inspector Gordon Fowler said: “A vital part of keeping children and young people safe is raising awareness of what is happening in the virtual world and the steps we can all take to help protect children from online abuse.

Arrests following online child abuse investigation

30 July 2016

"Often due to the gradual ‘grooming’ techniques used by online offenders to gain the victim’s trust, they may not even recognise they have been exploited or they may even blame themselves.”

He added: “Ever advancing technology can seem daunting to parents and carers of young people and they be unsure where turn for advice. Officers and partner agencies can provide advice on useful websites about online safety and tips on engaging with young people about what they are up to and who they are speaking to online.”

"Sadly crimes of this type can and do happen everywhere; from cities and towns to small quiet villages. There are no geographical boundaries for criminals intent on exploiting young people but with advances in technology and investigative techniques there’s also no hiding places for abusers."