“IT WOULD be devastating if police work was undermined.”

That is the stern message from John Apter, chief of the Hampshire Police Federation, over how paedophile hunters risk undermining officials investigations.

It comes after the Daily Echo reported that Hampshire businessman David Baker was found dead at his home in Wickham after being targeted by a controversial group of paedophile hunters.

Businessman found dead after being confronted by paedophile hunters

Mr Baker was lured to an underground car park in Portswood thinking that he was meeting a 14-year-old boy.

He was confronted by Steven Dure and a fellow paedophile hunter from Southampton-based TRAP in a sting operation, which videoed the meeting and posted the footage online.

Subsequently, he was then arrested on suspicion of arranging to meet a child for sexual contact but was released pending further inquiries.

It is thought he took an overdose and was found days later.

Mr Apter said: “We always need to be cautious. The law is already there, there are moral and legal boundaries that must not be crossed and those active in the area must ensure that they are not overstepping the mark.

“There is ongoing work in this area where police and other agencies will target those who prey on the vulnerable and it would be devastating if those works were undermined.

“We are happy to work with members of the public who help us gather evidence but we don’t want to see a vigilante culture creeping in.

“For police officers, justice needs to be fairly applied.”

Councillor Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council, also expressed his concerns.

He said: “To any parent, paedophilia is one of the most heinous and revolting of all crimes.

“However there is no place for vigilantism in our criminal justice system, especially due to the risk of prejudicing a police investigation and prospect of a prosecution and conviction.”

Mr Dure previously told the Echo that paedophile-hunters are “the solution” to the problem of child abuse.

He added: “I’m out to save children and that’s what I will continue to do. I’m human - I’ve got a conscience - but I didn’t make him drive 20 miles to meet a child.”

An inquest into Mr Baker’s death will be held and police are preparing a file for the coroner.

The incident has also been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Businessman found dead after being confronted by paedophile hunters