A POLICE investigation is under way after pictures taken under the skirts of schoolgirls without their knowledge appeared on a website.

The pictures were taken of girls at Rivington and Blackrod High School.

It is understood that police are investigating the possibility it was a boy at the school who was responsible for taking the compromising shots.

One parent contacted The Bolton News after discovering her daughter's picture had appeared on a website.

It is understood the website has since been taken down, but parents are worried the pictures could have been shared.

The parent said: "A friend contacted me to tell me my daughter's picture was on the website. I was sickened. I was crying all afternoon.

"I wanted to tell my daughter myself but she had found out through a friend. She was devastated when she found out. The picture is taken from under her skirt as she has been walking to school.

"I had to reassure her that no one would recognise her.

"Some of the pictures show girls in thongs. They have been taken in school when they have been sitting on school benches, on buses and of girls walking to school.

"The girls are in uniform. It appears the pictures have just been posted online this week.

"I think the picture of my daughter was taken a couple of years ago.

"There were hundreds of pictures on the website, all of Rivington and Blackrod School girls.

"There are faces on the pictures."

She added: "I know the photos have been taken down, but they will still be out there somewhere as they will have been copied and shared.

"I have contacted the school but they have not contacted me back."

A statement from Rivington and Blackrod High School said: "There is an ongoing investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.

"However, we wish to reassure parents that the safeguarding of our students is of paramount importance to us."

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "We are aware that there is an ongoing investigation and it would be inappropriate for us to comment."