An investigation is under way by the Information Commissioner’s Office after a website setup to protect children on the internet was found to be insecure.

A member of the public found the form to report alleged offenders on the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre’s (CEOP) website was unencrypted.

The unencrypted forms meant personal details entered could have been visible to anyone with technical skills and a sinister motive.

Security experts claim the breach of data was a serious error which could have put children at risk.

CEOP was setup in 2006 with the motive to help find and convict paedophiles and keep young people safe online.