A 28-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for sexually grooming four young girls from Chippenham on the Internet.

The man, from Leicester-shire, was arrested after Wiltshire Police were alerted on January 30 and informed colleagues there.

The man is accused of grooming four girls, all between the ages of 12 and 14, on Internet chat rooms and asking them sexual questions.

Sergeant Steve Cox at Chippenham Police said: "We strongly recommend that parents do not allow their children to have computers in their bedrooms.

"It is also advisable that webcams are only installed where a parent can view the computer screen.

"If possible the computers should be installed in a family room so that parents know what their children are doing at all times.

"In this instance the children were contacted by an adult purporting to be a child. This is a serious offence and one which has been dealt with by a joint operation between Wiltshire and Leicestershire Police."

The NSPCC is holding its European Internet Safety day on February 12. NSPCC assistant director for Wiltshire Trish O'Donnell said: "Parents need to keep up to date with how their children are using the Internet, teach them how to surf safely and make sure their children know never to give out their personal details online.

"Chatrooms, instant messaging and social networking websites are becoming increasing popular for schoolchildren but they also attract some adults who take advantage of their curious nature."

For more information about protecting children using the Internet log on to www.ceop.gov.uk or call ChildLine on 0800 1111.