Professionals from across Lancashire came together today for a multi‑agency event aimed at strengthening the county’s collective response to online harms.

Funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and opened by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Kimberley Whitehead, the conference brought together safeguarding leads, educators, health partners, residential children’s home staff, third sector organisations, housing, probation, youth justice police specialists, and digital safety professionals to deepen understanding of emerging threats in the online space.

Hosted in partnership with the University of Lancashire, the Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Network, Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, and Lancashire Education Partnership Officers, and Lancashire Safeguarding in Education the event explored the rise of harmful online networks known as COM groups.

COM groups are online communities often linked to serious offences including child sexual abuse, cyber‑enabled exploitation, and extremism, and are increasingly targeting some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society. Delegates heard from national and local experts on early identification, risk indicators, and the coordinated action required to intervene effectively.

Throughout the day, attendees shared best practice and discussed practical approaches to responding to complex online threats. The event emphasised the importance of early intervention, information‑sharing, and strong partnership working and the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner praised the commitment of partners who work daily to protect children and families from evolving digital risks.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said:

“Online harm is one of the most complex and fast‑moving safeguarding challenges we face today, and events like this are vital in ensuring our frontline professionals are equipped to recognise the signs early and take action. These risks can escalate quickly and leave a devastating impact on victims and their families. Strengthening awareness across agencies helps us prevent abuse before it reaches crisis point, and ensures that those at risk receive the right support at the right time.

“As the public’s voice in policing, I remain committed to ensuring Lancashire has a strong, proactive response to online exploitation. Understanding emerging threats, including those posed by COM groups and digital networks, is central to delivering my Police and Crime Plan and protecting vulnerable people across the county. This work must continue at pace to stay ahead of those who seek to use technology to do harm.

“Partnership working remains absolutely essential. No single organisation can tackle these issues alone, and I am proud to see experts from policing, education, health and safeguarding coming together to share knowledge and strengthen our collective response. I will continue to champion early intervention, support innovation and ensure that every agency has the tools it needs to keep our children and communities safe in a rapidly changing digital world.”