Parents have been put on alert after a sick male hacked into a Irvine schoolgirl’s social media account and sent out explicit pictures.

Police have been informed after the girl’s Snapchat account was accessed last week, with a letter sent out by the Irvine school alerting parents.

North Ayrshire’s top cop encouraged any parents with concerns to get in touch with police while the council emphasised that the minimum age for using the social media site is 13.

The head teacher of the Irvine primary school, which we’re not naming, said: “A parent has informed us that a male has accessed her daughter’s Snapchat account.

“There have been explicit messages and photographs sent to her and all her contacts. “The family has contacted the police.

“We ask that you check your child’s profile for any unusual activity and report any concerns to the police.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We would urge all parents/carers to be vigilant whenever their child is online or using social media.

“The minimum age, in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Ac t (COPPA), for Snapchat use is 13 and we would advise parents/carers to follow this established guidance.

“We recently supported Safer Internet Day and further information, guidance and support can be found at https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/”

Chief Inspector Brian Shaw told the Times: “We can confirm that about 2pm on February 13, Police Scotland received reports from a concerned parent regarding content on the social media platform Snapchat.

“Officers have attended and provided initial safety advice.

“We would encourage anyone with concerns to contact police by calling 101 and for parents and carers to regularly speak with young people about staying safe online – for the latest platform specific advice visit www.net-aware.org.uk.”