Numerous arrests in blitz on internet paedophiles

Police have arrested suspected internet paedophiles aged from 15 to 50 in the biggest operation of its kind ever in the UK and Northern Ireland.

Officers from 34 forces have raided dozens of addresses and seized computers believed to contain images of child abuse.

A total of 75 addresses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were searched and several arrests have been made.

Among those targeted were teachers, care workers and people working in the medical profession.

The crackdown, codenamed Operation Magenta, was part of a six-month investigation under the Protection of Children Act.

It focused on paedophiles who use internet chatrooms to advertise and exchange images of children being abused.

The operation was led jointly by officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary's child protection and investigation unit and Greater Manchester Police's abusive images unit.