Snapchat: Gosport pupils allegedly share child abuse images

The images were allegedly shared between pupils on Snapchat

Claims that school pupils shared sexual abuse images of babies and young children on social media are being investigated by police.

Brune Park, a secondary school in Gosport, Hampshire, said it became aware of the allegations after holding events to encourage safer internet use.

In a letter to parents on Thursday, the school claimed the content had been shared among students over Snapchat.

Snapchat called the reports "horrific" and said its team was investigating

The school, which has about 1,300 pupils aged between 11 and 16, told parents it had raised concerns with the police following the alleged discovery.

It also urged parents to check their children's devices.

'No place on Snapchat'

The content was reportedly shared in a group on Snapchat - a social media app where messages disappear from the platform once read.

But Snapchat told the BBC it is able to preserve conversations that are reported so it can investigate.

In a statement, a spokesperson said that such content had "no place on Snapchat".

"When we are made aware of this type of content - either through our proactive detection technology or reporting - we remove it immediately, terminate offending accounts and work with the police to support their investigations," they said.

The app also offers parental controls so guardians can see who their children are talking to.

A spokesperson for Gosport and Fareham Trust, which oversees Brune Park, described the allegations as "concerning" and said it contacted families to make them aware.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary called the incident "serious" and said investigating officers would be working closely with local schools.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].