Police have issued a warning over online sex abuse allegations.

Formal complaints must be made before police are legally able to investigate them, a police spokesman said.

The statement came in response to allegations on social media about “separate instances of alleged past inappropriate sexual behaviour”.

“We appreciate that this is a sensitive subject and that witnesses and victims are sometimes reluctant to come forward.

“Complainants can be assured that they will be treated with dignity and that their investigation will be conducted in strict confidence. Please contact Detective Sergeant Karema Flood of the BPS Vulnerable Persons Unit at 247-1150 or e-mail kflood@bps.bm. Alternatively, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477 can be used to make a report.”

Police investigate such allegations in tandem with the Department of Child and Family Services, the spokesman added.

However, unsubstantiated allegations circulated on social media may constitute libel.