A man has been charged and three other men arrested on suspicion of child sex offences as part of an operation by Hampshire police.

With the help of the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, undercover police officers from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Western Area Crime Team carried out the investigation.

  • Lee Ronald Swain, 55, of Willowmead Close, Woking, has been charged with meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming. He has been remanded into custody and is next due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on November 17.
  • On October 23, a 41-year-old man from Fareham was arrested on suspicion of meeting a boy under 16 years of age following grooming. He has been released on conditional police bail to allow for further enquiries to continue.
  • On October 24 a 77-year-old man from Ringwood was arrested on suspicion of attempting to arrange/facilitate the commission of a child sex offence. He has been released on conditional police bail to allow for further enquiries to continue.
  • On 27 October, a 55-year-old man from Gosport was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to cause a female aged 13 or over to engage in sexual activity. He has been released on conditional police bail to allow for further enquiries to continue.

READ MORE: Police hunt for wanted man believed to be in Southampton

A force spokesperson said: "This proactive work is part of our ongoing commitment to relentlessly pursuing criminal activity across Hampshire & Isle of Wight.

"We remain committed to protecting vulnerable people, including young children, against possible sexual exploitation.

"For information about keeping your children safe online, and to be signposted to organisations who can offer support, visit our website."