ROTHERHAM — South Yorkshire police are investigating video footage of an incident involving officers and teenage girls in the Rawmarsh area of Rotherham. The police force stated that a short clip on social media of the police response appears "nothing short of shocking."

The footage shows at least six officers confronting a group of teenage girls. One officer appears to shove a teenager, and another draws a baton. Two officers are shown pointing stun guns at the group. Some teenagers fall to the floor in the footage, and one teenager lands against a police car. An onlooker is heard saying, "Why's he squaring up to them?" Another part of the footage shows an officer appearing to hit a girl as she lunges towards him.

South Yorkshire police stated that their professional standards department is reviewing the incident and all available footage, including body-worn video. The force said this assessment will inform their next steps. Police declined to say whether any officers had been removed from frontline duties pending the internal review.

Kilvinder Vigurs, the deputy mayor for policing and crime in South Yorkshire, said she was horrified by the footage. "It is shocking and I know people will be distressed by it," she said. Vigurs added that a full review is under way by South Yorkshire police, including body-worn video, to establish what happened.

"I do not want to prejudge any investigation, but my clear expectation, and that of the public, is that officers uphold the highest standards of professional conduct," Vigurs said. She added, "It is essential for public confidence that any instances where this is not the case are dealt with swiftly and robustly."