POLICE are warning that popular new smartphone game Pokemon Go could be used by paedophiles to target young victims.

The latest must-have app sees users find and catch Pokemon in the ‘real world’ through their smartphone camera.

Thousands of children across the borough have started playing the game since it became available to download in the UK last week and police are concerned that it could be used to alert paedophiles to their locations.

The app allows users to set up a beacon encouraging other players to go to a specific venue.

The dangers were highlighted on social media last week when a post about two young boys in Golborne asking a stranger for a lift ‘down the East Lancs to hatch their Pokemon eggs’ went viral.

They were near the Golborne War Memorial, a known PokeStop, and the driver who was asked for the lift said: “Wow, I could have been anyone. I hope they don't say that to the wrong person’.”

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson, from Greater Manchester Police’s public protection division, said: “We know that criminals move quickly to exploit the latest developments to target victims and Pokemon Go will already be in their sights.

“There have already been incidents in America where young people are thought to have been targeted through the app.

“I would urge parents to speak to their children about the app and the best ways to make sure they stay safe.

“Talking to your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe.

“Online child sexual abuse and grooming is a rapidly growing problem and as part of Project Phoenix we continue to work with other partner agencies to raise awareness of the issues and provide advice and guidance on internet safety, how to stay safe, spot the signs and how to report offences.”

Helping to protect children from the dangers of using modern technology is one of GMP’s key priorities.

Ms Rawlinson added: “Young people, parents, teachers and others need to know what to look for so they can raise concerns.

“I ask parents to speak to their children about the sites they visit online, who they talk to and most importantly what to do if they see inappropriate content or are approached by someone who worries them.

“Advise your child to tell someone they trust and stress that they will not be in trouble.

“Explain to your child that friends are people that they know in ‘real life’, not someone they know online.

“Parents, make sure you know what your child is doing online and encourage them to talk about any people who approach them online.

“Everyone needs to keep security settings high and make sure the friends they are talking to online are really their friends.”

For more information on child sexual exploitation visit itsnotokay.co.uk or call police on 101.

If someone is in immediate danger dial 999.