A volunteer police officer has been jailed for using Snapchat to sexually groom underage girls.

Stephen Godridge was a Greater Manchester Police special constable when he was found to be targeting teenage girls using the social media app.

The 26-year-old was jailed for four-years-and-nine months at Preston Crown Court earlier this week.

Godridge of Farnworth, near Bolton, had pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Greater Manchester Police said he befriended teenage girls on Snapchat and incited them to engage in sexual acts.

Godridge persuaded the two victims, who were 15, to meet up with him and sexually abused them.

Calling him a “depraved individual”, Det Insp Neil Lawless said Godridge “targeted” his victims.

He added: “My thoughts today are very much with his victims and I would like to commend their bravery and courage in coming forward and assisting the police during the investigation, which has ultimately led to Godridge receiving a significant sentence.”

Greater Manchester Police said he was suspended from duty after being arrested in October 2016 and has subsequently resigned from the force.

“None of the offences were committed whilst he was on duty and they are not related to his role,” a spokesperson added.

Special constables are part-time volunteers with the same legal powers as regular PCs.

Greater Manchester Police’s website says applicants are vetted and must be “of good character”.

Det Insp Lawless called on parents to talk to their children about the risks of talking to strangers online, adding: “This case highlights the potential dangers modern-day social networking sites can pose.”