Police are urging people to be careful who they befriend on the internet after reports of six local people being blackmailed.
The incidents occurred over the past six months through a variety of social media sites, including Facebook, Skype and dating sites.
A police spokesman said: ‘On all occasions the victims have been befriended by a person on the site, who has got hold of private information, pictures and/or videos of the victims.
‘The offender then demanded money, which ranges from £300 to £6,000, to be paid via bank transfer or the information, pictures or videos will be released and distributed via Youtube and Facebook.
