SELF-styled paedophile hunters who pose as children online to snare and expose suspected predators are behind the latest arrest of a suspect in Warrington, a court heard.

Otto Laszlo Kungler, of Lockett Street, Latchford, was detained on Sunday after a group of vigilantes alerted the police to his alleged behaviour on a dating website online.

The 34-year-old was arrested at the scene and he has since been charged with attempting to cause or incite a female under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The suspect appeared at Halton Magistrates Court on Tuesday but spoke only to confirm his name, age and address with the help of an interpretor.

The court heard how Kungler, who is originally from Hungary, had been confronted by members of the group on the morning of June 12 at his home.

Prosecuting Alison Warburton said: "Police were called to a disturbance at the defendant's address on Lockett Street.

"On arrival it transpired that a witness in this case along with some of his friends had posed as children online in order to attract [suspected] paedophiles to identify themselves."

The prosecution allege Kungler made contact with one of the profiles which had been created by the group on May 22.

Those behind the creation of the account posed as a 12-year-old girl with messages between both parties continuing until June 7, it has been alleged.

The police were called and Kungler was later detained.

A number of electronic devices were seized from the property including a mobile phone, tablet and computer.

It is understood the group of paedophile hunters have been in operation for 11 months with six members involved in the stings.

A video posted by the group of an officer arriving at Kungler’s home has received more than 64,000 views online.

Kungler was remanded in custody to appear at Chester Crown Court on July 12 due to the severity of the charges where he is expected to enter a plea.