POLICE in Cumbria have offered advice after reports of 'sextortion' in the county.

The offence often involves people being blackmailed over intimate images of themselves.

And officers say they are appealing to parents to talk to their children about their digital lives to avoid incidents.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "We sometimes receive reports in Cumbria of what is referred to by our officers as sextortion.

"This can be a very distressing crime in which the victim can feel humiliated and desperate, leading them to respond in a way that can play into the hands of those carrying out the offences."

Police have urged anyone who finds themselves facing demands or blackmail after sharing images or videos to stop contact with the perpetrator straight away and alert officers.

People can call police on 101 and report the matter to social media companies.