NORTH Yorkshire Police has issued advice to parents and carers concerned about the online ‘Momo’ scare.

It comes after York schools took to social media to warn parents about the disturbing online 'challenge'.

A police spokeswoman said: “The best thing parents and carers can do is to make sure they know what their children are looking at online and educate them about the dangers of the internet, not just from frightening content such as this, but from real people who target them.

“Don’t let this distract you from the criminals that use the internet to exploit and abuse children and vulnerable people. Sex offenders, fraudsters, even bullies, pose real and significant harm, so please talk to your children and any older or vulnerable people you know and make sure they are alert to the dangers and take online safety precautions. We also ask people not to share disturbing content on social media, this only perpetuates the spread of it.”

Organisations which can help include the NSPCC at nspcc.org.uk and O2 gurus, who will help set children’s internet safety settings in store, even if you are not an O2 customer.

If you are concerned about a child call 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111, or go to saferinternet.org or youngminds.org.uk