Net porn 'viewed at libraries'

Children and other library users in a London borough were accidentally exposed to hard-core pornography on computers after software designed to prevent downloading of explicit websites failed, it emerged today.

Librarians were called to internet screens as angry customers complained about some of the disturbing material downloaded by unscrupulous users in libraries across Barking and Dagenham.

"The material was even displayed in the children's library. Parents and children were really upset," said a council source.

Red-faced council officials have admitted the problem came about when the filter intended to protect users of the borough's internet system collapsed.

The failure, which occurred on 29 December, was rectified only last week when the filter was restored.

A Barking and Dagenham council spokesman said: "The council reported the failure but but unfortunately the company was unable to immediately rectify the problem due to the holiday period.

"The council does have rigorous procedures in place to try and prevent access to bl o cked sites and closely monitors the use of all terminals."