A POLICE commissioner has called on the Government to do more to protect young people from grooming.

Vera Baird, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, says making police prove a groomer has contacted a child victim twice is a legal loophole and hindering police attempts to tackle child exploitation.

The former Redcar MP and Solicitor General has written to the Home Secretary Theresa May to raise her concerns.

She said: “The internet can be a wonderful tool; it is informative and has transformed lives.

“Sadly, however, it also has a dark side which is being exploited by groomers who are attempting to contact young people for online sexual grooming.

“This loophole in the current legislation must be blocked so anyone committing such a crime can be convicted after the first contact.”