Several posts have been appearing on Cambridgeshire Facebook community pages about young children who have allegedly gone "missing", however, they appear to be the latest hoax doing the rounds on social media.

In a Peterborough Sell, Swap and Buy page, the following post was made into the group: "This little boy approximately 3 years old was found last night walking behind a home here in Peterborough.

"Deputy Sam Jenson saved him and took him to the Police Station but no one has an idea where he lives, the neighbours don't know him or how he got there. He says his mom's name is Ella.

"Let's flood our feeds so that this post may reach his family, thank you."

The post was accompanied by an image of a young child with bruises on their head, a black eye, a cut nose and a cut lip, sat in hospital.

More than 300 Facebook users shared the post in a bid to reunite the child, but it was swiftly debunked by people who recognised it was a hoax.

Some of the tell-tale signs were the American use of "Deputy" and "Mom".

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Cambridgeshire Police DID NOT issue a missing persons appeal about the child, and have confirmed that they did not receive any calls or launch an investigation about a missing child in Peterborough.

This kind of post has also been seen in Huntingdon Facebook groups and other Cambridgeshire groups on the social media platform.

While the post is not a criminal offence, as nobody is giving away bank details or parting with money, there is a danger that images of young children, seemingly in hospital, are being shared across social media.

Cambridgeshire Police has issued a warning about "fake news" on social media. A spokesperson said: "People need to be careful around what they share on social media."