A pervert has been targeting boys at schools in Stevenage, asking them to send indecent images and videos over Snapchat.

The pervert, who is known to police, promises to give the boys Xbox codes, or other vouchers, in return for indecent photos and videos. 

Police officers visited Barclay Academy in Stevenage last week to speak to pupils in special assemblies.

A spokesperson for Herts police explained: "Hertfordshire Constabulary is working alongside the Metropolitan Police regarding an investigation where several children that attend schools in Stevenage have been targeted by a known individual over Snapchat.

"This individual has been requesting indecent images and videos of male children over Snapchat on the pretence of, on occasions, reimbursing them with Xbox codes or other vouchers."

The assemblies at Barclay were delivered to male pupils in Years 7 to 10.

In a letter to parents, Ashley Young, from the Child Online Safeguarding Team at Herts police, said: "We fully understand that it could be the case that children may have had contact with this individual, but due to embarrassment have not come forward.

"This is why we are making contact, not only to make you aware that we have attended your child’s school, but also to enable you to discuss this matter with your child.

"No child who comes forward is in trouble, and they will be treated as victims.

"Please talk to your child and ask them if they have experienced anything described above over Snapchat, either recently or in the past, but please make sure that your child is aware that they have done nothing wrong and are not in trouble."

Magda Charlwood, vice principal at Barclay, added: "Although the perpetrator is targeting male victims, we feel it is important that all parents are aware and are vigilant and continue to safeguard their children online by checking their devices regularly."