A man from Harpenden has been arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children online as part of a covert police operation to crack down on sex offenders.

The 35-year-old was arrested and has been bailed until September 12. 

This is part of six-month crack down operation, which has been co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and has remained secret until today in order to protect children, identify offenders and secure evidence.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is currently using new and emerging technology, such as a polygraph, to identify and prosecute sex offenders and help manage the risks posed to children and families.

The covert tactics are used daily by specialist investigators in Hertfordshire and the activity to target those who further the sexual abuse of children by downloading and sharing indecent images continues. These tactics will not be disclosed due to operational security.

Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Child Online Safeguarding Team (COST) are investigating.

DCI Stuart Orton said: "Our work to tackle these crimes and bring offenders to justice is very much on-going and we are continually carrying out proactive operations.

"These offenders actively promote the continued sexual abuse of children by downloading and distributing indecent images. They may think they are ‘invisible’ because they are alone and online, but they are not and we will use every power available to us to target those involved and ultimately safeguard children within Hertfordshire and around the world."

In total seven men were arrested as part of the Hertfordshire-wide operation.

Anyone who has any information about those who are committing these offences should contact officers in COST via the Herts Police non-emergency number on 101.