PARENTS who fear a paedophile is targeting their child will be able to ask if he has a history of abuse, under a scheme starting in Cheshire from August.

And the initiative – a watered-down version of so-called “Sarah’s Law”, introduced in the United States – will be extended to Merseyside from next March, the Government announced.

The move follows the “success” of a trial scheme in four areas, when one in ten calls uncovered the hidden criminal past of someone with access to a child.

The largest number of queries came from fathers worried about their ex-partner’s new boyfriend, police said.

Inquiries were also made about neighbours, other family members and friends

As the scheme is extended, tens of thousands of registered sex offenders will be contacted to reassure them it will not lead to public vilification – or vigilante attacks.

But it falls far short of “Sarah’s Law”, the long-standing campaign for an entire community to be warned of a paedophile has moved in to a neighbouring street, named after Sussex girl Sarah Payne, who was murdered ten years ago.

Only parents, carers and guardians will be given information by the police and they will be ordered to keep that information confidential.