This is the moment a heavyset Mexican policewoman whacks a detainee’s bare bum with a cricket bat, sparking outrage and an internal investigation.

The incident was filmed at the municipal police headquarters in the city of Perote in the Mexican state of Veracruz, prompting the local council to release a statement on 4th January.

In the footage, the detainee, who appears to be a man, is seen bending over a desk with his trousers and undies around his ankles as the heavyset cop readies a wooden bat.

She practices her swing several times with a look of concentration as the man, who appears to be cuffed with his arms behind his back, waits in anticipation.

The WPC then swings the cricket-bat-like weapon behind her head and brings it down hard on the detainee’s bare buttocks.

She then repeats the process with another whack before walking away as the video comes to an end.

After the video was widely shared on social media, municipal president Delfino Ortega Martinez, on behalf of Perote Council, confirmed that the incident had indeed taken place at the municipal headquarters and vowed to punish those involved.

He said that the council “will not tolerate violence of any form”, will always “respect human rights”, and he promised to “let the public know about the firm measures we will take regarding this case”.

The internal investigation continues.