SCHOOLS are issuing warnings to parents about a 'paedophile ring' targeting young children on social networking site Instagram.

Three schools have sent out a text alert urging parents to be vigilant after indecent pictures were sent to a child over the site.

West Park Primary, Lynnfield Primary and Fens Primary school in Hartlepool, have told parents an apparent paedophile ring using two accounts has been sending children Facebook requests.

Mandy Hall, headteacher of West Park Primary School, said: "A parent brought to our attention wholly unacceptable Instagram messages which would appear to be targeting young children.

"The safety of our children is a top priority for the school so we took the decision to make all parents aware via a text message. The school has immediately notified the police."

Instagram is an image sharing social media site which has millions of users around the world.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Cleveland Police can confirm that a report was received regarding indecent messages being sent to a child through a social media site on Wednesday, June 29. Inquiries are ongoing in relation to this incident.

“With regards to online safety on social media, police would always advise parents to check the security settings on any devices and social media applications that their child is signed up to."

More information regarding online safety can be found on the force website at www.cleveland.police.uk