FACEBOOK is the most used site by online groomers, according to research by the NSPCC.

An investigation by the children’s charity found Facebook and Facebook-owned apps - including Instagram and Whatsapp - were used in 52 per cent of grooming cases where the method was disclosed by police, and victims as young as two were targeted by online predators.

The investigation found that in the nine months since the introduction of a new offence of Sexual Communication with a Child, there were 1,628 crimes recorded in England and Wales, and police revealed what platform was used in 956 cases.

In Yorkshire and Humberside there were 142 crimes with the youngest victim recorded as just seven.

Where the method of communication used by predators was logged by police, Facebook was used in a third (32.6 per cent) of cases, Instagram and Whatsapp were used in nearly a fifth (19.8 per cent) of cases and the second most-used app was Snapchat.

Antigone Davis, Global Head of Safety at Facebook, said: “We have zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation on Facebook.”

She said the site has technology to scan images and flag known child exploitative material, so it can be quickly removed.

The company’s actions can also be important for prosecution.

Ms Davis said: “Our comprehensive reporting system and work with law enforcement officials including CEOP, help build cases to bring criminals to justice.”

Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said a voluntary code would be introduced for social networks, but the NSPCC has called on him to bring about a mandatory code.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: “Culture Secretary Matt Hancock has a golden opportunity to put an end to the Wild West Web and force social networks to protect children online.

“Facebook has shown it is happy to use data for commercial purposes, but has failed to harness data in a way that can be used to prevent grooming. Facebook should be leading the way, but instead it has demonstrated time and again that self-regulation isn’t working and social networks can’t be left to mark their own homework. Mr Hancock could be the person who makes the internet a safer place, for every child now and in the future. We hope he seizes the chance to do that.”