A pervert has targeted primary school-aged rugby players and their parents in a disturbing e-mail.
Local authorities and the police issued stern warnings last night over the “sinister and offensive” communication, which requests sensitive information about young children.
The e-mail, purportedly sent by a non-existent organisation, Aberdeenshire Rugby, asks for personal details of the youngsters and a picture of their upper body.
The parents of a primary six player with Ellon Rugby Club were shocked to get the bogus e-mail at the weekend and informed the club immediately.
The sender, who was obviously aware that the child played for Ellon Rugby Club, asked for date of birth, height, weight and any medical conditions.
Club vice-president Gareth Kemp said: “It was very worrying for the parents that the person sending the e-mail knew their son was a rugby player. When a second parent, followed by several more, also revealed they were contacted, it became – very slightly – less worrying, but it is of great concern to us about who has sent this e-mail.”
It concludes by saying a free 12-week training programme is being established in Aberdeenshire.
Mr Kemp, who is also heavily involved with the youth coaching at the club, said he and fellow officials had spent hours trying to find out if this information was accurate.
He said: “We contacted the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) to see if they had set something up, or if they were aware of anything similar being planned.
“When we made sure there was not, we called the police, the SRU child-protection team in Edinburgh and several children’s charities to make them aware.”
Scott Munro, a coaching colleague of Mr Kemp, added: “I would advise parents to never take such e-mails at face value – always contact your club.
“All children at our training sessions are being reminded of the Stranger Danger messages and parents have been told that only the clubs select squads for training camps or winter schools.”
A police spokesman said: “We have received a complaint and our inquiries are ongoing. Parents should not respond to any unsolicited e-mails or send personal information.”
Councillor Martin Greig, chairman of Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership, said last night: “This sinister and offensive approach is extremely disturbing.
“Hopefully the police will be able to gather sufficient intelligence so that the person responsible can be identified and questioned.
“The welfare of young people is very thoroughly protected by strict standards followed by authorised sports groups in Aberdeen and Aberdeen-shire.”
Both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils say e-mails that do not come from a verified source should be treated with caution. Jo Hall, sport strategy manager with the city council, added: “No reputable, registered sporting organisation would contact parents out of the blue in this way and would certainly not seek this level of information or photographs.
“Remember, the Stranger Danger rule applies online, as well as in the street.”
Meanwhile, at Ellon Rugby Club, coaching staff held an emergency meeting on Sunday.
“We have made sure that all clubs in the city and shire are aware of the issue,” said Mr Kemp.
“Our club is already strict on child-protection matters and has always requested that children should be collected from training by parents and guardians.
“This policy applies to all children under 18 and we have re-emphasised it because of the e-mails.
“Community police officers have also said they will increase patrols to provide an increased police presence in the area.”