Police split over child porn sex abuse arrests

QUEENSLAND police fear dozens of child pornography suspects could escape justice because the Federal Police "screwed up" one of the nation's biggest pedophile busts.

Senior Queensland police sources last night accused the AFP of going public too early, effectively tipping off nearly half the suspects and compromising the six-month investigation.

"They're expecting accolades but they've screwed up," a source said.

An AFP spokesman denied that "operational activity had been compromised".

"Throughout this investigation the AFP has closely consulted and co-ordinated with state and territory law enforcement partners," he said. "It is important the public hears this message and are warned of the danger."