Snapchat video of 'sex between 15-year-old girl and up to 25 boys' sparks police investigation

Investigation began after video surfaced online

Florida Police have now launched an investigation into the incident (Getty)

Police in Florida have launched an investigation into a video purportedly showing as many as 25 boys having sex with a 15-year-old girl in a school bathroom.

Twenty-five male students were identified using CCTV going into the Lee County high school's main boys’ bathroom while the girl was inside last week.

Authorities initially decided not to pursue the incident, as neither the girl nor her parents were willing to press charges.

But after a video of the incident emerged online, the Florida Department of Children and Families decided to launch an investigation.

Tampa defence attorney John Trevena said the maker of the video could be prosecuted for making child pornography, and also suggested the girl’s mental health could be a factor.

He said: “If a video was taken, it's unquestionably child pornography. There's no ambiguity there.”

“Just the sheer volume of participants, allegedly 25 boys, suggests mental health issues with a 15-year-old girl. It should be investigated as a crime, taking advantage of someone with a mental health issue.”

The age of consent in Florida is 18, though 16- and 17-year-olds may legally have sex with partners aged 16-24. Sex with a 15-year-old counts as statutory rape.

Lee County Sheriff's Office spokesman Tony Schall said the video was posted on Snapchat and Twitter.

It was also sent to local news outlets, and at least two had contacted the police, Schall said.

Speaking to local news site KomoNews.com, Scott Berkowitz, the president of US organisation the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network said: “It's hard to imagine how something like this even happens.”