A SECONDARY school has assured students and parents they are doing all they can to tackle underage pornography after an illegal video was widely circulated.

Easthampsted Park school released a statement on December 5 on Facebook relating to a graphic video currently being shared amongst pupils. 

Because it shows children possessing the video is illegal, whether the owner is a child or an adult. 

Headteacher Liz Cook wrote: "It has been brought to our attention that a particularly unpleasant video has been sent to a number of students in the Bracknell area via social media recently. 

"It appears to show graphic pornographic images of underage children committing indecent acts. The children shown are not members of the school.

"If your child receives this video or any other film of this nature, they should inform their parents or a member of the Raising Standards team immediately."

Mrs Cook urged parents who find the video on their children's phone to delete it.

She continued: "It is highly likely that any students who have seen this video might be distressed so we thought it important to inform you, so that you can safeguard your child.

"We have consulted the police on this matter as they alerted us and neighbouring schools to its existence. If you have any concerns, please contact me at the school."

The news follows the BBC's investigation into the use of online streaming websites, where a woman posed as a 14-year-old schoolgirl and was sent lewd messages. 

Police across the UK have made 192 arrests on suspicion of child sex offences in a single week as they aim to tackle the problem. 

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "We are aware of an explicit video involving a child which has been distributed via social media. This is currently under investigation by Hampshire Constabulary.

"If you have received this explicit video on Snapchat, Instagram or by any other means you must delete it immediately. If you show this video to someone else or forward it on to other people you could be committing a criminal offence, which the police may investigate and consider prosecution.

"The people in the video have been identified and specialist police officers are supporting them to ensure their safety.

"If you have any knowledge or relevant information related to who shared this video or how it was distributed, please contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 as soon as possible.

"Children who have been affected by this video are encouraged to speak to their parents, teachers or a trusted adult or can contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 for further support."