A PREDATOR who attempted to groom a 15-year-old Axminster girl on the internet has been stopped in his tracks.

A PREDATOR who attempted to groom a 15-year-old Axminster girl on the internet has been stopped in his tracks.

Police say the girl's parents foiled the suspected pervert's attempts after monitoring her internet use.

The man is reported to have contacted the 15-year-old girl via MSN Messenger and sent inappropriate messages.

The allegations are currently being investigated by police.

A police spokesman said: "These are obviously parents who take measures to monitor their child's activities. Young children are at an impressionable age and are vulnerable to being groomed by predatory individuals across the internet.

"It's important that parents take necessary internet security precautions to ensure that their child can enjoy the internet safely."

The NSPCC has urged all parents to make sure they know how to help their child use the internet safely.

Alison Kearnes, NSPCC assistant director for Devon, said: "Children face real threats on the internet, such as sexual grooming, cyber-bullying, exposure to violent, pornographic and other unsuitable material and being lured into dangerous real-world situations.

"Online social networking is part of millions of children's lives. We must recognise and respond to this reality by helping them be safer online as well as helping them speak out about abuse at the same time."

For more information call the NSPCC'S free 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000.