A TEENAGER has been given a caution after a disturbing video showing a toddler being given a cigarette went viral.

Police and social services were investigating the Snapchat video, filmed in Colchester, which showed a toddler sitting on the stairs with a cigarette in her mouth.

In the video, which was released last month, a woman’s hand is then seen attempting to light the cigarette multiple times, while it is still in the girl’s mouth.

The video then goes on to show a woman pushing the young child over by placing a hand on the top of her head and shoving her backwards as she tries to walk through the door.

The final part of the video shows the woman walking behind the young girl as she goes down the stairs.

As the girl reaches the last few stairs, the woman kicks the girl in the back.

Following an extensive investigation, a 15-year-old girl was given a caution by police.

An Essex Police spokesman said it was the best course of action considering the circumstances.

They said: "The girl was voluntarily interviewed in connection with an assault on a young girl in Colchester.

"Following a thorough investigation, she was given a youth caution, which was considered to be the most appropriate form of action.

"This was based on the individual circumstances of those involved in the incident. Appropriate safeguarding has been put in place."

It has not been confirmed how the woman in the video is related to the toddler.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said at the time it takes the safety and welfare of all children extremely seriously.

Social care colleagues worked closely with the police throughout the investigation.

The video received backlash from concerned social media users, and ended up going viral due to its disturbing content.