Police are investigating after primary school pupils were added to an “inappropriate and offensive” Snapchat group.

The alarming incident is said to have left children in the Herne Bay area at an unnamed school “distressed”.

Officers were contacted in January and alerted head teachers in the area.

Staff at Joy Lane Primary School and Whitstable Junior School have since sent out a notice to warn parents.

It states: “We have been made aware of an incident involving students at a local primary school in which students have been invited to a Snapchat group by an unknown user.

“Due to the content - that is highly inappropriate and offensive - this has understandably caused a lot of distress.

“The incident is being investigated.

“We are reminding parents about the risks online and to review your children’s internet safety settings on any media-linked devices.”

A police spokesman added: “In January, we were made aware that a number of children in the Herne Bay area had received inappropriate images and footage through a Snapchat group.

“Enquiries are being carried out into the incident and schools in the district and their pupils are being given advice about online safety.”