SOCIAL media platforms urgently need to protect youngsters from online predators, say national campaigners.

The NSPCC says Social media sites need to take more responsibility in ensuring children are protected from criminals.

It comes after Jordan Moore - a 24-year-old from Croydon - locked a teenage girl from the New Forest area in his car and raped her.

Bournemouth Echo: Jordan Moore was jailed at Southampton Crown Court Jordan Moore was jailed at Southampton Crown Court

He had used Snapchat to communicate with the 14-year-old before the “terrifying ordeal” in the car park of New Milton Cricket Club in September 2018.

Commenting on the case a spokesperson for the NSPCC said: “This young girl has shown great courage in reporting the terrifying ordeal that Moore subjected her to, and it is crucial she receives all the support she needs to help her recover. This distressing case highlights how easy it is for child sexual offenders like Moore to groom young people online.”

As previously reported Moore drove across the country to meet his victim.

A jury convicted him on one count of rape following a seven day trial at Southampton Crown Court.

Jailed for six years and six months he will have to register as a sex offender for life.

The comments from the national charity come following the announcement that UK watchdog Ofcom is set to get powers to crackdown on online child abuse.

The NSPCC says that proposals under the Government’s Online Harms Bill are a landmark step towards improving the safety of social media for children, following years of campaigning.

The bill sets out new guidelines governing the removal of illegal material including child sexual abuse.