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MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. (KSDK & WITN) - A link is making the rounds on social media that includes what appears to be a sexually explicit image involving a child.
(Image Source: MGN)
WITN has received a number of messages from concerned viewers regarding the image.
One of the links appears to encourage spreading of the image in an attempt to catch the person involved. That is not advised.
Greenville Police say they have started to receive complaints about the image. Here is their statement:
“The Greenville Police Department is aware of a video that has been circulating on Facebook involving a child engaged in sexual acts. The video appears to have originated in a foreign country and may be a computer virus. Please do not click on any links/videos or share them, even if they appear to be coming from individuals who are your friends.”
Our NBC sister station KSDK in St. Louis, Missouri has a story regarding the apparent link that is going around.
We've attached their story below with how you should handle it:
A video of suspected child pornography is being circulated nationally through Facebook messenger, popping up in people's inboxes.
"It's a disturbing image to say the least," Maryland Heights police officer said.
Maryland Heights police are warning that sending it to others, even if you are trying to help find the perpetrators, is considered distribution of child porn and could get you arrested.
We are aware of the image/video being sent of suspected Child Pornography through the Facebook messenger. DO NOT attempt to open the video or send it to anyone. Viewing and sharing of this is illegal. We are working with a local team of law enforcement officials trained on this
— Maryland Heights PD (@MHPolice) February 3, 2018
Do NOT share the video with anyone.
Steps to take:
-If you do get the message, report it to the National Missing and -Exploited Children tip line: https://report.cybertip.org/
-You can also notify Facebook, here: http://bit.ly/2DXLXbg.
-Delete the message in your inbox.
