The public is being warned by police after an increase in cases of people being targeted by sexual predators in webcam extortion scams.

Police in Lanarkshire have issued advice and warned web-users of the dangers from online sexual predators after new figures reveal that officers are receiving weekly reports of victims being targeted.

There has been a rise in the number of adults being targeted with webcam extortion, according to the new figures.

The crime can take many forms with the common element being that someone obtains explicit images of another person, and then threatens to distribute them unless the victim pays a substantial sum of money or supplies increasingly graphic images.

Between April and July 2016, Lanarkshire Division received 14 reports of incidents, compared to 12 incidents between December 2015 and March 2016. The victims were men and women aged between 16 and 56 years of age.

The scams usually begin with the acceptance of a Facebook friend request from a complete stranger before communication over hours, days or even weeks to build a relationship and obtain private information on friends, family and colleagues of the victims.

There is then an agreement made to enter into a video chat, usually via Facebook or Skype, in which both parties engage in sexual activity on web cam while one party records the other without them knowing.

A demand is then made for money or more explicit images in exchange for not sending the recording to the victim's family, friends or work colleagues.

A statement from Police said: "Although the internet presents unparalleled opportunities for global entertainment, education and engagement, it is also being used by sexual predators to cultivate online relationships, the purpose of which has a far darker motive."

Inspector Andy Thomson, based at Motherwell Police Office, said: "Always remember that you are in control of what you say and do online.

"Be suspicious of friend requests from strangers and make sure your private information stays private. You have the power to end the communication at any time, so never feel pressured into doing something that you may regret in the future.

"If you do become the unwitting victim of webcam extortion - do not pay and do not communicate further.

"Take screen shots of the other person and any conversation and report it to the social media provider, deactivate but don't delete)your account, and then report it to the police. We will help you."

Detective chief inspector Donna Duffy added: "We recognise that making the decision to report such a crime to the police, or anyone else such as your friends or family is difficult but incredibly brave.

"Be assured that we will take your report seriously, in complete confidence and will never make judgements about your behaviour.

You are the victim and you are our primary concern. Our investigation will revolve around you and your wishes.

"We will support you and do everything in our power to remove the content from the internet and bring those responsible to justice."