Vigilantes to be investigated over paedophile attack

POLICE are to investigate a team of vigilante paedophile hunters after a gang of eight allegedly assaulted a man at his girlfriend’s home.

Christopher Bradford, 36, was attacked by members of N-force Justice, who had travelled 200 miles from Leeds to Swindon in Wiltshire to confront him, a court heard.

Bradford was said to have exchanged messages with two 14-year-old girls. But they were a decoy. The vigilantes broke into his girlfriend’s house, attacked him and live-streamed the confrontation on social media.

Tessa Hingston, prosecuting, admitted: “There was an assault on Mr Bradford. It is under investigation. A formal complaint has been made.”

Judge Robert Pawson said the vigilantes were “cruel” to involve Bradford’s girlfriend, and described the group as “mob handed.” He added: “The police have now had to spend further hard pressed resources on another inquiry.” Eight men were arrested after an assault was reported to the police.

Bradford admitted three child sex incitement offences and was given probation, a curfew order and was made to sign the sex offenders’ register.