Consett Man's Online Dating Warning After Mum's Death

As more North East singles turn to dating apps and websites to find love, a County Durham man is urging users to know the hidden dangers.

Andrew Jackson has told Metro Radio he believes his mother Pamela would still be alive if she hadn't have met Adrian Muir online.

Muir was found guilty of the 55 year old grandmother's manslaughter in 2013 and jailed for 18 years.

Andrew says before his mum was found dead in Moorland in West Yorkshire he had warned her about meeting strangers through the internet.

"I told her, you don't know who you are talking to, you can't trust these people. She just saw it as a bit of fun. Obviously she's not here now, it's taken a big chunk out of our family because if it hadn't have been for these dating websites, I believe my mam would still be here."

Northumbria Police say although most sites have some security in place - it's ultimately down to individuals to stay safe.

Angela Hufton from the force told Metro Radio "If you are going to go on a date with someone you need to be careful. So let family members and friends know where you are going and when you will be home. Meet in a public place with lots of people around. Use your own transportation to get to and from there. Be very careful about meeting somebody that you don't really know who they are."