The UK Government has been urged to introduce a new criminal offence of 'cyber-flashing' by an MP who was "once flashed" on a night out in Cardiff.

Cyber-flashing is when a person is sent an unsolicited sexual image on their mobile device by a stranger nearby through AirDrop, a file-sharing function on iPhones. Victims are often targeted on public transport due to the technology’s short range.

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones has said a new criminal offence of cyber-flashing needs to be created.

She said: “I was once flashed on a night out in Cardiff. I could have had that man arrested and prosecuted as intentionally flashing in public is a criminal offence.

"But, if a person digitally exposes their genitals unsolicited, then it is not currently the same offence.

“This needs to change. No one should be made to feel alarmed, distressed or intimidated as a result of being sent an unsolicited explicit photo.

"With so many of our young people living their lives online, often with their own mobile phones, we need to put a stop to cyber-flashing."

Cyber-flashing has been a crime in Scotland since 2010. In England and Wales, there is no specific offence of 'cyber-flashing' but the behaviour can potentially fall within the offences of harassment or public nuisance.

On Thursday (January 14) Miss Jones told MPs: “The scourge of cyber-flashing – where unwanted and unsolicited indecent photographs are distributed to mobile devices – needs to be made a criminal offence.”

Responding, Home Office minister Victoria Atkins said: “We are running a call for evidence at the moment on producing a new violence against women and girls strategy,” adding: “I am very, very aware of the offence about which she speaks and I very much want those sorts of 21st Century online crimes to be dealt with.”

County Times: A woman walks into Boots. Picture: PA Wire.A woman walks into Boots. Picture: PA Wire.

Victims of domestic abuse can now access support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK under a new scheme announced by the Government.

The Ask for Ani scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help.

By asking for “Ani”, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space to outline the support available, whether that is through the police or specialist support services.

In a Commons statement, Ms Atkins said: “Protecting those at risk of abuse and exploitation remains a priority for this Government which is why I am so pleased that today I am able to announce the launch of a new codeword scheme for victims of domestic abuse called ‘Ask for Ani’.

“From today, thousands of pharmacies across the UK will provide this service, enabling victims to seek help discreetly.

“Through a signal to a pharmacist, a victim will be provided with a safe space in the pharmacy and taken through the support available to them – whether that is a call to the police or a domestic abuse helpline service.

“The codeword scheme will offer a vital lifeline to all victims, ensuring they get help in a safe and discreet way.”