A SUSPECTED paedophile has been charged with attempting to groom a child after a sting operation.

Edward Hartfield was arrested at the Old Steine in Brighton on Saturday night after police were alerted to a man “acting suspiciously”.

The 26-year-old was a lunchtime and after-school supervisor at St Luke’s Primary School in Queen’s Park Road, Brighton.

Headteacher Jonathan Cooper has written to parents to reassure them that none of the allegations are connected to the school.

It is understood that Hartfield was suspended the moment the allegations came to light.

On his Facebook profile he claims to have previously worked at Brighton charity Extratime, which supports children and young people with disabilities.

Campaigners against child sex abuse confronted him and posted a video of the encounter on Facebook.

In the video, Hartfield confirms he works with children on a one-to-one basis.

Police said: “We attended the Old Steine in Brighton at 7pm on Saturday to reports of a man acting suspiciously.

“Edward Hatfield, 26, has been charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.”

Hartfield, of McWilliam Road in Brighton, will next appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on February 14.

Mr Cooper wrote to parents: “These allegations have been investigated by the police, and charges have now been brought in relation to inappropriate activity on social media.

“We suspended the member of staff as soon as we became aware of the allegations, and have fully cooperated with the police investigation.

“We would like to reassure you that the allegations that have been have made and the charges that have been brought do not relate to the member of staff’s work at the school.

“There is no evidence that any member of our school community has been targeted or affected by the alleged activities.

“We are not able to comment on the allegations or specific details, because doing so could jeopardise the legal proceedings.

“We appreciate that you may find this information distressing.

“Please be assured that your child’s safety and welfare continues to be our absolute priority and our safeguarding procedures are audited annually and robust.”

Hartfield previously appeared on a list of the happiest people in Brighton.

He was diagnosed with various special needs as a young child.