Schoolgirls were reportedly sent "sexually threatening messages" on social media app Snapchat – sparking a police probe.

A Rickmansworth girl was sent a friend request, which she accepted thinking it was another pupil, before she was reportedly warned "a gang of boys were going to do something to her at school".

She was also allegedly told to "wear nice underwear" while another message referred to girls being raped.

"I just wish I'd heard about this before my daughter had to go through this trauma," her mother told the Watford Observer.

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She warned parents of secondary school children in Rickmansworth, which prompted another mother to share a similar experience.

"We have had issues with this person too", she wrote, adding that her child was "threatened with rape". 

Herts Police say they are investigating the reports in Three Rivers of "distressing messages of a sexually threatening nature being sent to teenage girls via Snapchat".

A spokesperson said: "Enquiries are continuing at this time and anyone with information, or anyone who may have received similar messages, is asked to please contact police.

“In light of these incidents, we would encourage parents and guardians to please speak with their children about staying safe online."

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