A paedophile was arrested as he was on his way to meet a 13-year-old girl. 

Muhammed Zeeshan Ali, 33, had been speaking to the young girl on social media and planned to meet her outside Canada Water Underground Station on Wednesday (February 7). 

But officers were there waiting for him and arrested him as he arrived. 

When he spotted officers he tried to destroy his phone by smashing it on the floor. 

Ali, of Rotherhithe New Road, appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 9 where he pleaded guilty to attempt to engage sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child for sexual grooming. 

He was remanded in custody until he’s sentenced at Inner London Crown Court. 

Detective Sergeant Callum Mantell, from the Met's Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation team, said: "Ali is clearly a dangerous predator who was using social media to attempt to sexually abuse a child. 

"We carried out fast-time enquiries to identify him and ensure officers were waiting for him. Our investigation means he has been convicted and will now face the consequences of his actions."