25 Arrested Over Accessing Indecent Images Of Children Online

A total of 25 people have been arrested as part of a joint operation by the PSNI and the National Crime Agency (NCA) against those accessing indecent images of children online.

As well as 25 arrests, steps were also taken to safeguard and protect 32 children as appropriate.

A number of items have also been seized for further forensic examination.

Detective Chief Superintendent George Clarke, Head of the PSNI's Public Protection Branch, said: "Tackling the abuse of children is a priority for us and this joint operation with our colleagues in NCA has helped ensure those who pose a threat to children are apprehended and brought before the courts.

"There is this perception that this sort of child abuse goes on elsewhere, not in Northern Ireland, but we do have very dangerous offenders in Northern Ireland and this joint operation with NCA further enhances our ongoing efforts to protect children and bring offenders to justice.

"This is a despicable crime against children. The PSNI and our colleagues in NCA have been working hard together, using a range of investigative techniques to ensure all opportunities are maximised to protect children from harm online and offline and bring offenders to justice and we will continue to do so."

(CD/JP)