AYR MSP Siobhian Brown has welcomed a Scottish Government and Police Scotland campaign which aims to protect young people from ‘sextortion.’

Sextortion is a new form of online blackmail and involves criminals threatening to publish intimate photographs and personal of their victims on social media if money isn’t paid or if the victim fails to comply with some other harmful demand.

The image may be a real photo taken by the victim or a fake image that the criminal has created to pursue blackmail.

The launch took place after MS Brown met with one family who’ve been affected by this crime.

Ros and Mark Dowey’s 16-year-old son Murray tragically took his life last year after being targeted.

His parents have become advocates for raising awareness of this hidden and devastating crime.

Launching the campaign in in her role as victims and community safety minister, Ms Brown said: "This is a significant milestone as it represents a collective response to a growing incidence of sextortion.

"Social media can play a positive part in young people’s lives, connecting them with friends and family, but we must also raise awareness surrounding the risks of sextortion and the harmful impact it can have on victims.

"We now understand the immense pressure that can be placed on victims of this type of crime, and we are all too aware that this pressure can lead to devastating consequences.

"Sextortion can have a profound and lasting impact on young people and their families, and it is a difficult and often shameful topic to discuss.

"But I want to reassure young people that this is never their fault. If you find yourself a victim the message here is, please do not panic, do not pay or comply with demands.

"Speak to a trusted adult and report the crime to the police. You will be supported, and there is help available."

The campaign aims to provide young people with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves from sextortion.

The launch event also underscored the crucial role of education and support services in providing a safe environment for young people to report these crimes.

The initiative is part of a wider commitment to improve online safety for children and young people in Scotland and reduce the risk of exploitation through technology.