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Police investigate as Ulster GAA star targeted in online sex scam

Police are investigating reports of an online blackmail scam that has targeted several people in the north
Police are investigating reports of an online blackmail scam that has targeted several people in the north Police are investigating reports of an online blackmail scam that has targeted several people in the north

POLICE are investigating after an Ulster GAA star was targeted by blackmailers in an online sex scam.

It is understood the senior player was duped into performing a sex act online and a recording was used to demand money.

When he did not pay up the blackmailers posted the footage on social media.

The GAA star, aged in his thirties, alluded to the ordeal in a post on Twitter earlier this week.

He wrote that he was going through a very difficult time and apologised for any upset caused.

On Thursday night the PSNI confirmed it is investigating reports of an online blackmail scam that has targeted several people in Northern Ireland.

“Enquiries are ongoing into several matters which were reported to police earlier this week.

"While we cannot comment on individual cases, we would remind people to exercise care online, particularly when using social media."

Concerns over online safety were thrown into sharp focus last year when Co Tyrone teenager Ronan Hughes tragically took his own life.

The 17-year-old, from Clonoe outside Coalisland, had been tricked by a Nigerian crime gang into posting images of himself online and was threatened with them being made public.

:: Visit getsafeonline.org for information and advice on how to stay safe online.