West Mercia Police have safeguarded 19 children from harm and arrested eight people during a week-long operation targeting online child sexual exploitation across the region.
The operation, known as Operation Cyan, was carried out between September 14 and 18 by the force’s Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team (OCSET), as specialist officers stepped up efforts to identify people suspected of causing harm to children online.
During the operation, officers carried out 12 warrants and examined 44 electronic devices for potential illegal material. Ten of those devices were seized for further forensic examination as investigations continued.
Of the eight people arrested during the operation, five have since been released on bail while police enquiries remain ongoing.
West Mercia Police said the operation highlights work that often takes place away from public view as specialist officers investigate complex cases involving the online sexual exploitation of children. The force said its teams work throughout the year to identify suspected offenders, safeguard vulnerable children and gather evidence that can support prosecutions through the courts.
Officers involved in Operation Cyan used specialist equipment and resources during the investigations, including a digital forensics van capable of being deployed to warrant locations. The technology allows officers to carry out initial examinations of electronic devices at the scene and preserve potentially important evidence.
Police also used a specialist dog trained to locate hidden electronic devices, helping investigators find and secure evidence that could otherwise be difficult to detect.
Detective Chief Inspector Gerard Smith said West Mercia Police would continue pursuing people suspected of harming children, stressing that significant investigative work takes place behind the scenes before cases reach court.
“Operation Cyan brings into focus the work we are doing all year round to safeguard children,” he said, adding that enforcement and prevention remain central to efforts to protect children from online sexual abuse.
Police are also urging parents and carers to have regular conversations with children about online safety and the platforms they use. Officers said creating an environment where children feel able to report concerns without fear of judgement can play an important role in preventing exploitation.
The force stressed that conversations about online safety can sometimes be difficult, but early intervention and open communication can help children recognise potentially dangerous situations and seek help when something does not feel right.
The operation comes as police forces continue to face the growing challenge of online child sexual exploitation, with offenders increasingly using digital platforms and devices to target vulnerable children and conceal their activities.
West Mercia Police said its specialist teams will continue to use investigations, digital forensics, intelligence and safeguarding measures to disrupt suspected offenders and protect children from harm.
For families across the West Midlands and the wider UK, the message from police is clear: online safety requires ongoing conversations, awareness and vigilance. Parents and carers are encouraged to understand the apps, platforms and online services children are using and to make sure young people know where they can turn if they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable or afraid.
For Nigerian families and other African communities living in the UK, keeping children safe online is an important part of protecting their wellbeing in an increasingly digital society. Chijos News continues to bring UK news, public safety updates and practical information closer to Nigerians in Britain, helping families stay informed about issues that can affect their everyday lives and communities.