Police are warning about the dangers of online grooming and abuse after receiving reports of males exposing themselves to young women and girls in video chatrooms.

Northern Constabulary’s area commander for Shetland, chief inspector Angus MacInnes issued the warning to young people and their parents and carers following reports of the incidents.

Police said that as well as exposing themselves the males were encouraging their targets to do the same in video chatrooms.

The incidents involved young people using applications and sites where online chats are encouraged between strangers.

Chief Inspector MacInnes said: "The real danger of young people and children using these sites is that they can be exposed to extremely inappropriate content and are open to grooming and abuse. There are also allegations of young people being encouraged to use and copy pornographic material in their relationships.

"Modern mobile phones, or smart phones, are in essence small computers. The latest phones provide great opportunities for being more connected in the digital world, but can also therefore pose a risk for users to be identified or located and send or receive images they may feel uncomfortable with.

"I would strongly advise parents and carers to be aware of the extent to which young vulnerable people can be exposed to such material through mobile phones, and other digital devices. It is vital that modern technology is used with responsibility and regard for safety and privacy.”