Speaking after questioning the Justice Secretary about the findings of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman’s report which revealed that the PSNI’s cybercrime unit lacked the capacity and capability to manage the threat posed by a prolific online sex offender, Mrs Lockhart said:

“The Ombudsman’s report makes harrowing reading. It exposes serious gaps in our ability to respond to online child sexual exploitation. The PSNI were under-resourced and overstretched in trying to deal with a prolific abuser whose actions led to the tragic death of a 12-year-old.

This cannot be allowed to happen again. I asked the Justice Secretary what steps are being taken to ensure cybercrime teams across the UK are properly funded and equipped to deal with these vile crimes.

It is right that the Home Office works alongside the PSNI, and I welcome that commitment. But we need more than just words, we need resources. The reality is that cybercrime units are facing ever-increasing demands. Without proper investment in staff, technology and training, children will remain at risk.

Protecting our young people online must be treated as a national safeguarding priority. Promises are not enough. Action and resources must follow.”