Three Stevenage schoolgirls have been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary harm to animals after a video showing kittens being thrown was posted on social media.

Two 14-year-old girls and a 13-year-old girl are currently in custody after being arrested under Section 41 of the Animal Welfare Act.

In a video originally posted on messaging app Snapchat, two girls can been seen throwing the kittens, one of which lands on the floor and doesn’t move before the video cuts.

In another video, they can be seen positioning the kittens so it appears that they are performing a lewd act.

Stevenage’s Chief Inspector Alicia Shaw said: “The cat and her kittens have been signed over to the RSPCA and are currently being assessed by a vet.

“We understand that people are upset and angry about this incident, however we would also like to remind people that posting threatening or offensive comments on social media is also a very serious offence and we would urge you not to respond in this manner, or to commit any other criminal offences.

“This will only detract from our investigation into the welfare of the animals in question.”

A spokeswoman from the RSPCA added: “We are working with the Hertfordshire Police who are leading on this issue. A cat and her kittens have been signed over to the RSPCA.

“We’d like to thank people for bringing this worrying video to our attention.”

As a criminal investigation is under way, the Comet will not be publishing the videos and legally cannot identify the suspects as they are under 18.