Child porn hotline launched

The Metropolitan Police is launching a hotline for the public to pass on information about child pornography.

The freephone line is solely for the use of those who want to tell the police about suspected pornography or paedophile activity.

The hotline is being launched by DCI Bob McLachlan, head of Scotland Yard's paedophilia unit at New Scotland Yard in London.

The move comes as a team of officers from Northumbria Police prepares to travel to Thailand to help authorities involved in tackling child abuse there develop their skills.

Detective Sergeant Julie Hogg and retired chief inspector Pat Blue leave on Wednesday for a month-long secondment running training courses for officials from a variety of organisations including social services, schools, health and police.

Det Sgt Hogg said: "All aspects of child abuse will be covered, whether it is in the home, in institutions or through exploitation by foreign paedophiles."

The Met's hotline number is 08081000040.