A MAN has been arrested and charged after an online sting broadcast live to thousands of viewers revealed him as an alleged paedophile.

The video, posted on Sunday morning, was taken by a vigilante group who claim to expose online predators. The footage racked up more than 53,000 views in 24 hours.

The team who conducted the operation call themselves Maximum Exposure UK. Members of the group often pose as young girls on social media and then confront men they claim have been behaving inappropriately towards children.

Information they have gathered is then passed to the police.

The group allege the 50-year-old man had been grooming a young girl online.

In the footage, they inform him he had actually been communicating with their adult “decoys”, allegedly sending them inappropriate messages and indecent material.

Police Scotland confirmed a 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged incident in Ladyton, Alexandria. He was due to appear in court as the Reporter went to press on Monday. A full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

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A Police Scotland spokeswoman added: “If you think someone may be abusing children, please contact the police rather than taking the law into your own hands.

"Police Scotland is fully committed to the investigation of child abuse using all of its resources, nationally and locally, to protect Scotland's children.

"If you are concerned that children may be at risk or suspect someone may be abusing children then please call 999 if you think there is immediate threat, or 101.

"The Sex Offender Community Disclosure scheme is another way members of the public can raise concerns about an individual in a child's life and and application can ultimately lead to a disclosure to the parent or carer.

"Application to this scheme is through the Police Scotland website where details are available of how to apply online. "