Guernsey Police says claims it is investigating a group of islanders for child sexual offences are 'unfounded'.

The force has issued a statement, saying it has felt compelled to respond to rumours circulating on social media.

"To clarify the position, claims of such a group committing offences against children are unfounded, and there is no current evidence that we are aware of to support such a claim.

"None of the individuals on a list we understand is being shared (based on the version we have seen) are currently being investigated by police.

"However, two of the people named have previously been investigated, both have been charged with sexual offences relating to children and their cases are currently going through the courts, and have already been publicised by the media.

"There is no evidence to suggest these two cases are linked."

Guernsey Police say it is also not true that a UK police force has been brought in over such allegations.

"A UK force has not been asked to come to Guernsey to investigate these allegations, and there are no plans, nor any requirements, for one to do so.

"No one has taken their life or provided a letter to the police, relating to these unfounded allegations."

The force says it has reported the social media posts making the claims to Facebook and X.

It warns that 'misinformation' can undermine trust in policing, and can have a 'significant impact' on the wellbeing of people wrongly named.

"Guernsey Police continues to take sexual offences involving children extremely seriously, and always proactively investigates these matters. If anyone has evidence of any criminal wrongdoing, whatever the offence, we would encourage them to contact police."

The statement also says that 'it is coincidental that separately, a prison officer appeared in court today (18 November) for unrelated offences."

Island FM understands that prison officer has been suspended from duty after appearing in the Magistrate's Court to deny a charge of exposure.

Guernsey Prison says it won't comment on ongoing court cases.