POLICE have issued a warning after Hampshire pupils raised the alarm following social media requests seeking friendship, which may have come from so-called Islamic State.

Hampshire Police’s youth engagement and crime prevention team has been contacted by education establishments and young people who have become suspicious having received “friend requests from people with unusualù names and displaying funny symbols”.

It isn’t yet clear if these requests are specifically intended to target young people or if this is an issue being encountered by people of all ages, but the fear is that this contact may be emanating from extremist groups.

A police statement read: “In response to this information, safeguarding young and vulnerable people is our priority; raising awareness of the matter both directly, and through parents, carers and relevant professionals.

“Our advice is to make young and vulnerable people aware of this risk. Speak to them, reassure them that they can speak to you, and warn them not to accept friend requests from any person they don’t know, particularly from those who appear to be linked to extremist groups.”

This message from the police is part of a broad plan designed to raise awareness in order to keep young people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight informed and safe. The plan includes further investigation and ongoing communication of information as it becomes available.

Anyone with concerns or who needs more advice should e-mail [email protected].