A young girl has been targeted online by a fake model scout who asked her to expose herself on Skype.

Police have launched a major investigation and issued a warning after the 15-year-old girl contacted by a man claiming to be from a model agency.

The girl, from Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, was approached on Instagram by the man claiming to be from Base Models in London.

He told her he was trying to hire a model for the agency before asking her to expose herself on Skype followed by a number of inappropriate questions.

Base Models is a legitimate company but the man is not one of their employees.

A statement from Base Models warned: "Be aware there are many individuals, fake photographers and scouts using the internet claiming to be affiliated or members of Base Models.

"Should you be contacted by anyone claiming to be any of the above, you should first contact our office immediately so we can verify their identity.

"Base Models never conducts interviews via Skype, never requests nude or lingerie photos and never requires any money from applicants.

"If at any time someone claiming to be a booker, scout or manager of any model agency contacts you, inform your parents or a responsible adult."

A statement from Police Scotland said: "On Monday, a 15-year-old female was contacted by a male via Instagram claiming to be from Base Models, a modelling agency in London.

"The male stated that he was interested in hiring the female as a model. Base Models is a legitimate company, however, this male is not an employee of their company.

"The male asked the female to expose herself to him via Skype and asked her inappropriate sexual questions.

"If you have been the victim of indecent communication by anyone online please contact us via 101 or attend at your local office to report the matter and seek advice."