An audience of more than 220,000 have now watched the moment a 42 year-old man from Wisbech was confronted by a paedophile vigilante group.

The ‘sting’ took place on Sunday morning when members of the on line Hunters 24/7 group turned up in Wisbech to meet the man.

During a lengthy exchange – broadcast live over Facebook – the team challenged James Stuart Crofts with their allegations.

Hunters 24/7 describe themselves as a team dedicated to protecting children from on line grooming.

Crofts is seen on camera denying the allegations by the group who effectively placed him under ‘citizens’ arrest’. At one stage they are seen inviting him to surrender his mobile phone which is then confiscated and later handed to police.

The incident took place near to Crofts home and police later are seen arriving at the scene.

A Cambs police spokesman said today that “James Stuart Crofts, 44, of Milner Road, Wisbech, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

“He was charged with causing or inciting a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.”

Crofts was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday, November 13.