POLICE today launched a series of raids across the country, including Kent, as part of a global crackdown on suspected paedophiles. Kent police said a 38-year-old man had been arrested in Gravesend as part of the operation.

Nine forces in England and Scotland, were involved in the raids. The National Crime Squad (NCS) said the "unprecedented" global operation targeted people accused of downloading child pornography. Up to 130 people across the world are believed to have been arrested following raids in 19 countries.

The NCS said those arrested are suspected of using Internet newsgroups to request, exchange and supply paedophile images. A spokesman said: "In one instance a newsgroup was used to seek help with the 'grooming' of a young child for abuse." Intelligence gathered during the 10-month operation showed there were "dozens" of newsgroups carrying illegal paedophile images, he said.

Interpol distributed information to countries with the suspects and following two meetings in Lyon and London the raids were launched.

Det Supt Peter Spindler, who led the investigation, said it was the world's largest collaborative policing operation. "It is particularly disturbing that all these news groups carrying paedophilic images are available for everyone to access - even young children themselves."

He said those accessing the newsgroups did so regularly and "with purpose". He added: "We also learnt, not surprisingly, those abusing the Internet have learnt from recent police successes how best to protect their true identities."