Essex Police and Social Media Monsters: support resources
Two Essex Police investigations are to feature in a Channel 4 documentary series.
The Essex episodes of Social Media Monsters will air consecutively on the evening of Tuesday 13 January.
The first episode will focus on the force’s investigation into Jay Lang, who abused and blackmailed dozens of victims after contacting them using social media between 2018 and 2021.
Lang, aged 24 when he was convicted and sentenced in 2023, posed as a 16-year-old girl named Chloe on social media apps such as Snapchat and Instagram, in order to make contact with similar-aged boys – some of whom were as young as 11.
The next episode of the series, which follows straight after at 11pm, will shine a light on the investigation into the murder of James Gibbons at his Laindon home in May 2021.
Perpetrator Joshuah Sparks, who was 16 years old at the time, was sentenced to 13 years in detention for James’ murder in December 2021.
James, 34, was stabbed four times outside his house. He had been celebrating at a birthday party for his two young daughters.
He had stepped out from the party to defend a man being abused by a group of young people, including Sparks.
Social Media Monsters will broadcast on Channel 4 at 10pm and 11pm on Tuesday 13th January.
Both episodes are available to watch on Channel 4 Streaming now.
Sextortion is a type of online blackmail. To learn more, click here: Sextortion | Essex Police
If you’ve experienced child sexual abuse or exploitation, there are many organisations who can help and support you. Visit When You Are Ready
If you are worried about knife crime or exploitation and need support, visit: Knife Harm Resources – Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit and Exploitation Resources – Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit