When Measham teenager Kayleigh Haywood went missing back in November 2015, families across the country were gripped by fear and sadness.

The Ashby schoolgirl had been missing for five days when hearts were broken and people’s worst fears were confirmed. Kayleigh had been murdered after being groomed online.

The tragedy thrust the world of grooming into the spotlight and highlighted the dangers that lie behind computer screens and social media.

As the police force leading the harrowing investigation, Leicestershire Police put their heads together to try and prevent the shocking scenario from happening again and put together a short clip that showcased Kayleigh’s final weeks, when she first came into contact with the men who groomed her.

Targeted over social media, she was showered with affectionate messages by the older man before he persuaded her to meet him. It was that easy.

Kayleigh’s Love Story shows the shocking reality that is happening in homes everywhere and when the film was shown in schools, the result was phenomenal.

Measham teenager Kayleigh Haywood
Measham teenager Kayleigh Haywood

Seen by more than five million people in a matter of days, the hard to watch clip prompted more than 35 people in Leicestershire alone to report similar abuse, proving that the issue is becoming more prominent, even on our doorstep.

The film, has won an array of awards, including four national awards just last week as it tackles the devastating crime which is impacting youngsters everywhere.

The message is simple. Sadly, grooming is happening online but with the help and support of police forces like Leicestershire Police, we can do something about it, to stop others suffering the same way Kayleigh did.