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Police investigate reports of 'explicit' AI images at County Armagh school

News imageGoogle Maps A screengrab of a Google Maps image of the tree-lined entrance to the Royal School, Armagh on a sunny day. A stone exterior wall is partially visible and black metal railings line separate pedestrian and vehicular entrance to the site. Behind the railings is a black sign which says "The Royal School" in gold lettering. There is a carpark and a modern red-brick building in the background.Google Maps
The Royal School Armagh is a school with boarding facilities based on a 27-acre site close to the centre of Armagh city

A police investigation has begun after a report that AI-generated explicit images were allegedly shared among pupils at a County Armagh school.

The investigation centres on the Royal School Armagh, which teaches about 800 boys and girls up to the age of 18.

It's reported that the images were created using artificial intelligence and the fake pictures were then shared among some students.

The principal told a Sunday newspaper that as soon as the school became aware of the issue it had referred the matter to the authorities.

News imageRoyal School Armagh Graham Montgomery smiling at the camera. He is a man with short greying hair. He is wearing a grey blazer, a pale shirt, and red tie with white and navy stripes.Royal School Armagh
Graham Montgomery is the principal of the Royal School Armagh

In a statement to BBC News NI, principal Graham Montgomery said: "We have robust policies and procedures in place and where concerns are raised we seek and follow advice from educational and other statutory authorities and take all appropriate action as advised.

"We will continue to do that and the safety and well-being of all our pupils remains our highest priority."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed to BBC News NI that an investigation is under way.

Its spokeswoman added that "local officers are also engaging with the appropriate school authorities and the parents/guardians of the pupils affected".

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