A DATING fraudster attempted to extort over £2,000 from a man looking for love on the internet.

Police in Glasgow's East End confirmed the incident was reported to them after the victim was blackmailed over explicit images he had sent.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We have received a report of an attempted extortion of over £2,000, after a man sent explicit images of himself to an apparent partner, during online "courting" in a chat room.

"These images were then used as a tool, alongside threats of disclosure, in an attempt to obtain the cash."

The force warned the public to be careful when dating online.

A spokesman added: "Remember, even if it feels private, the internet is really a public space.

"Once you put a message or an image online, it will be there in some form forever, even if you delete it."