Allegations on social media about a suspected paedophile are known to law enforcement, a police representative said.

But the spokesman for the Bermuda Police Service said that “formal complaints are required by law in order for the police to investigate”.

He added: “Online statements and social media posts do not qualify as formal complaints.

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

The spokesman said that police work closely with the Department of Child & Family Services on such matters and “take such allegations seriously”.

He added: “Residents should be reassured that any acts of inappropriate interaction reported to police involving adults and children — or adults and other adults — will be addressed sensitively and in confidence.”

Anyone who wished to make a report should contact the Vulnerable Persons Unit on 247-1678 or e-mail group-vpu@bps.bm.

Information can also be provided confidentially to Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 or at www.crimestoppers.bm.

The spokesman said that police cautioned members of the public from making “unsubstantiated statements or circulating rumours on social media that may constitute slander or libel”.

He added: “Likewise, members of the public are reminded that any acts of vigilante justice — in relation to any alleged or actual incident — that come to the attention of the police, will be appropriately investigated.”