A school in Stevenage has issued a 'safeguarding alert' to parents over a WhatsApp group "made by adults to entice children into being exposed to explicit material".

Today (Monday, November 4), Barclay Academy has sent an email to pupils' parents and carers, warning them about a WhatsApp group called 'Add Everyone'.

The email explains: "Last week, we were alerted to a WhatsApp group called 'Add Everyone', which is believed to have been made by adults to entice children into being exposed to inappropriate and explicit material, to share these materials and to put young people into dangerous and vulnerable situations.

"This group has been reported, but we are concerned that children from all schools may be members of the group.

"Please ensure that your child does not join this group, or block and report it if they have.

"Checking your child's devices regularly is something that we would like all parents to do.

"If you are unsure, or require support, please do contact the safeguarding team, who will be more than happy to help."

Sergeant Joel Gill, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Child Online Safeguarding Team, said: "While we have not received any reports around this particular WhatsApp group, we would urge anyone to not join it, or block and report it if they have already done so.

"If you have been directly affected by a WhatsApp group of this nature, please contact police via herts.police.uk/contact or by phoning 101."