Users of Microsoft's MSN Messenger service will soon be able to report suspected child abusers with a single click of a button.

The company is adding a 'report abuse' icon to the Messenger software that will link the user to online police services. The scheme works in conjunction with the Child Exploitation and Online Prevention Centre (CEOP).

CEOP, based in London, is backed by the British government and is affiliated to the police's Serious Organised Crime Agency.

Anyone using the program will be able to click on the icon to report any chat 'buddy' who appears to be acting suspiciously, and who could be a potential abuser.

Police officers will then offer advice to the user on how to collect information on the potential predator and how to make records of online chats. The software will also begin to offer safety tips each week to users.

The button will also appear in the next version of the Messenger software, Windows Live Messenger.