Police in Yorkshire have confirmed an investigation has been launched after a video appeared on social media over the weekend seemingly showing an officer punching teenage girls.

South Yorkshire Police has said its professional standards department (PSD) is investigating the video - which it admitted appears “nothing short of shocking”.

Videos capturing police responding to what is understood to be a group of teenagers’ school leaving do in Rotherham were shared over social media this weekend after allegations that officers used undue force on the youngsters.

One video shows an officer saying the teenagers are “disturbing the peace,” before appearing to get into a shoving match with a group of young girls and pulling out a baton.

Further clips appear to show officers wielding tasers, and teenage girls being punched in the face or knocked to the ground.

It has led to widespread critique of the police’s response, and questions over whether the level of force shown was necessary.

Investigation: South Yorkshire Police have said that videos circulating online seemingly showing officers using violence against a group of teenagers are “nothing short of shocking” as they launch an investigation into the incident (Stock picture of police officers)

placeholder image — Investigation: South Yorkshire Police have said that videos circulating online seemingly showing officers using violence against a group of teenagers are “nothing short of shocking” as they launch an investigation into the incident (Stock picture of police officers)

In a statement responding to the allegations, the force said: “The short clip on social media of the police response to an incident in Rotherham over the weekend appears nothing short of shocking.

“Our PSD are reviewing this and all available footage, including body worn video, of the full response to the 999 call to understand what happened before, during, and after what is publicly available.

“Their assessment will inform our next steps.

“At South Yorkshire Police, we want our officers to be professional and their actions to be lawful, proportionate, and fair.”