New crackdown on paedophiles

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's child abuse protection unit will spearhead the move to target those in the capital who prey on youngsters.

They will proactively disrupt the lives of people who are known to have a sexual interest in children. The work is expected to include unannounced visits and low-key monitoring of paedophiles to check on their day-to-day lifestyles.

Computers and data storage devices may also be inspected by officers looking for evidence of attempts to exploit children online. The plans are contained in a draft serious violence strategy for the force which highlights the need to focus on protecting young people.

Commander Sue Akers said reducing serious violence and looking after young people must be made a core police priority.

Meanwhile, ITV news said a leaked document revealed Government plans to clamp down on sites which fail to protect children.

Earlier this month, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said new guidance would soon be published to help protect children using social networking websites.

The guidance will also help educate parents about what their children are doing on popular sites such as Bebo, Facebook and MySpace. The Child Protection and Online Exploitation Centre (CEOP) is central to Government moves to improve safeguards for youngsters exploring the internet.

The Home Office said sex offenders will soon be required by law to register their email addresses so their online activity can be monitored.

A spokeswoman said: "The UK already has some of the toughest laws in the world to protect children from sexual harm with new offences including an offence of grooming a child online. The Government's task force on child protection on the internet means we continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies, children's groups and the internet industry to ensure the web is as safe as possible for children."