POLICE have confirmed the arrest of a Corringham man following allegations of his involvement in attempting to groom a child for sexual purposes.

He was 'exposed' by a 'sting' set up by a nationwide group who gather evidence about suspected paedophiles, often using decoy youngsters on social media platforms.

In this case they confronted the 62-year-old man on the doorstep of his Corringham home and then interviewed him on camera.

He is accused of sexual communications with a child, known as Skye, who he knew to be 14. 'Skye' was person pretending to be a child.

The film of the paedophile hunters confronting the man was published on social media and the group presented their findings to police.

A statement from Essex Police today (Sunday, 23 March) says: "Following reports from members of the public, we attended an address in Corringham and arrested a 62-year-old man on suspicion of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child.

"He has been released on bail and our enquiries continue."