AN internet predator masquerading as a member of pop sensations One Direction is preying on North-East schoolchildren, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Police confirmed tonight that they were investigating the claims that youngsters are being encouraged to engage in sexually explicit conversations and send inappropriate photos.

Detectives believe the predator is using the video calling app Skype which can be recorded.

The caller falsely claimed to be a member of the huge-selling boy band One Direction.

The alarm was raised when a concerned parent found out about the sinister approach and police in Durham launched an investigation.

Although the inquiry is in its early stages and no arrests have yet been made, parents at several schools across County Durham have been sent messages warning them about the allegations.

Details of the investigation emerged on Safer Internet Day, an annual initiative to promote safer and more responsible use of the Internet and mobile phones.

Detective Sergeant Martin Willis, of Durham Police, said: “I can confirm an investigation is underway and arrests are yet to be made.

“I would advise anyone using the internet not to share personal and private details with people they don’t know.

“Parents are urged to discuss online safety with their children and be aware of who children are chatting with.”

One Durham City mother, who asked not to be named, said she was shocked by the allegations.

“I find it quite shocking that children have been targeted in this way, particularly children so young and through social media," she said.

The issue was reported to the police on Monday, January 12.

The police are pointing parents concerned about their children’s safety online to the websites of the NSPCC children’s charity and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), which provide practical information and advice.