My teen daughter's best friend has confided something worrying to me, and begged me not to tell anyone. Should I go to her parents - or even report it to the police? CAROLINE WEST-MEADS has the answer

A concerned parent discovered their teenage daughter's best friend confided in them about a serious issue involving online grooming and potential exploitation, with the friend explicitly requesting confidentiality. The situation poses immediate risks to the child's safety and mental well-being, requiring urgent intervention from parents or authorities. Failure to act could result in ongoing harm or criminal escalation against the minor.