POLICE SMASH DOOR TO SEIZE ONLINE PREDATOR IN DARLINGTON
Darlington, 28 September 2025 — A man identified as Steve Meynell, of Darlington, has been arrested following an online child protection operation conducted by The Ghosts in collaboration with the Child Online Safety Team (C.O.S.T.).
According to the group, Meynell engaged in sexually explicit conversations with two of their decoy profiles posing as children.
When officers attended his property, he allegedly refused to open the door, prompting police to force entry.
He was subsequently taken into custody.
The sting was carried out by decoy operatives Luke and Peyton Ghost, who tracked Meynell’s online activity and provided evidence to the authorities.
The Ghosts, along with affiliated safeguarding teams, regularly carry out online operations aimed at identifying individuals seeking to exploit children.
The groups say their work continues to shine a light on offenders and support law enforcement in tackling online child abuse.
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Darlington, 28 September 2025 - A man identified as Steve Meynell, of Darlington, has been arrested following an online child protection operation conducted by The Ghosts in collaboration with the Child Online Safety Team (C.O.S.T.). Acc...
