POLICE have been called in after a Selkirk primary school pupil was targeted by a sex pest online last week.

Parents of the girl intercepted the social media exchanges.

As well as contacting the police they also alerted senior staff at Philiphaugh Community School on Friday.

A warning has now been issued to other parents.

A spokesperson for the school stated: "A parent has contacted us today to highlight continuing concerns around children using social media at home.

"Her daughter engaged with an online chat which turned out to be with a 60 year old man.

"The conversation became very sexually explicit and distressing for the child."

Police Scotland and Scottish Borders Council regularly conduct online safety classes within schools across the region.

At the end of last month an officer briefed pupils in primary 5 and 7 on safe online surfing.

But the message has now been reiterated by senior staff at the Philiphaugh school.

Education chiefs at Scottish Borders Council confirmed they had been made aware of the social media incident.

And Police Scotland are continuing with their investigations.

A spokeswoman said: "A report has been made of inappropriate use of the internet and, along with our partner agencies, are currently investigating."