POLICE have issued a warning about the crime sextortion.

Sextortion is when people - including children and young people - are lured into sending indecent images of themselves by criminals pretending to be a child or adult of the same age.

These people then blackmail the person for more pictures or money.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "If you think you are a victim of sextortion blackmail, do not panic.

"You have already taken the first big step by recognising you are the ‘victim’ in this and that you may require support to help you through this difficult time.

"This is a crime, so report it to us.

"We will deal with your report in confidence and not make judgements."

Offenders will send an email to claim they have accessed their victims' computer and captured them watching pornography on the webcam and recorded it.

The suspect then threatens to send the video to friends and family unless a financial ransom is paid.

For more information and help on sextortion, visit actionfraud.police.uk/sextortion.