Bogus 'Paedophile hunter' arrested for bribing victim in violent sting

Police have arrested a bogus 'paedophile hunter' who allegedly blackmailed a man after pretending to be an underage girl online

A 19-year-old had two teeth knocked out during a confrontation after agreeing to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl near Wigan in Greater Manchester.

Instead, a group was waiting for him and they threatened to post footage on social media unless he paid them money.

He was beaten up by the same gang the next day, after reporting the blackmail attempt to police.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) arrested the 19-year-old on suspicion of grooming. A second man, aged 25, was also arrested after falling victim to the gang.

Footage of the incidences has since appeared online. A 25-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of assault and blackmail.

Detective Inspector Charlotte Cadden of the GMP said the two victims were targeted "because they had illegally arranged to meet up with underage girls online".

"I want to make it clear that grooming and arranging to meet up with children you have met over the internet is a criminal offence and if you are caught doing this you will be arrested and prosecuted.

"It is unacceptable that this group is posing as underage girls and meeting up with men with the view to either blackmailing them or attacking them in the street."