Man arrested at station after online ‘paedophile hunter’ confrontation

A man has been arrested at a railway station after a vigilante group broadcast a confrontation online, prompting police intervention.

West Mercia Police confirmed that officers detained a 44-year-old man at Hereford Train Station on suspicion of attempting to meet a female child following alleged sexual grooming. The arrest followed the circulation of a live-streamed video posted by a group commonly described as ‘paedophile hunters’.

Footage shared online shows the man being challenged by members of the group at the station, where they question him and present paperwork they claim relates to their allegations. The encounter escalates as police arrive at the scene.

Later segments of the video appear to show a marked police van parked in the station car park, with an officer escorting the man towards the vehicle after his arrest. The incident is shown to have taken place on Sunday, January 18.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police confirmed that the man has since been released on bail while investigations remain ongoing.

Image: Child Protection Stings