New mothers warned not to send breastfeeding photos to fake NHS worker in exchange for hand sanitiser

South Yorkshire police are investigating ‘malicious communications’

New mothers have been warned not to send breastfeeding photos to a fake NHS worker (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

New mothers have been warned not to send breastfeeding photos to a fake NHS worker, who has asked for images in exchange for products like hand sanitiser.

Women have received messages, via different apps, falsely claiming to be sent by a senior worker in a neonatal unit in Sheffield.

In return for breastfeeding photos, they were promised items such as hand sanitiser, baby milk and food.

Police found the messages were fraudulent after working closely with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, which had received numerous calls from mothers about the messages.

South Yorkshire Police, who are investigating the communications, said in a statement that they interviewed a 27-year-old man earlier this week on suspicion of malicious communications and a breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

The police said: “Officers are keen to hear from any other individuals who may have been contacted and have yet to report the matter to the hospital or police.”