Police warning over video after Powys woman arrested on suspicion of child sex offence
Police have urged people to stop sharing a video on social media identifying the suspect of a sexual offence involving children.
After a self-styled paedophile hunter group stopped a 33-year-old woman in Montgomery on Tuesday, Dyfed-Powys Police arrested the woman on suspicion of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
She has since been released on bail as police continue their investigation.
The video posted by the group has been viewed more than 160,000 times and shared over by over 1,500 people.
Police issued a statement on Facebook on Wednesday, urging people to refrain from sharing the video or making comments on the video to allow a thorough investigation to take place in the correct way.
The statement said: "We are aware of a video that is circulating on social media which allegedly identifies a suspect of a sexual offence involving children, and recognise the strength of feeling which exists in respect of this.
"We can confirm that a 33-year-old woman from Montgomery was arrested on Tuesday, January 8, on suspicion of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. She has been released on bail and the investigation is ongoing.
"Please refrain from sharing the video and from making any comments on the video which could amount to a criminal offence. This is in order to allow for a thorough investigation and to prevent the investigation being undermined.
"We also urge people not to take matters into their own hands or get involved in any unlawful activity which could hamper police enquiries. Where any criminal offences are committed, we will take appropriate action.
"Anyone with any information which may assist the investigation is asked to call 101, quoting ref. 085 of January 8 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
