AN alleged paedophile from Farnham has appeared in court following a sting operation by a group of vigilante ‘paedophile hunters’.

Andy Field, 24, from Farnham, appeared at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday following an incident at Farnham railway station on Saturday, April 9.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming, but guilty to a charge of possession of a bladed article in public.

Mr Field is next due to appear for a trial by jury at Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday, May 11.

He has been remanded in custody for his own safety after the vigilante group’s sting was widely publicised on social media this week.

Surrey Police has since issued the following statement: “Surrey Police would urge people not to take matters into their own hands and to report any allegations of crime to Surrey Police to fully investigate.

“Social media users are also asked to consider the judicial process before sharing anything online which could harm any future court proceedings.”

Surrey Police can be contacted on 101 (999 in an emergency) or information can be provided online at www.surrey.police.uk.To provide information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.V