Prosecutors have shelved an investigation into the viral assault of a young girl in Huelva last month.

The attack is believed to have taken place around July 20 or 21, but only came to light after footage was widely shared on social media and messaging apps.

The video showed several girls taking turns to slap, punch and knee the victim while others laughed and encouraged the violence.

However, the girls allegedly responsible cannot face criminal prosecution because they are all under the age of 14, according to the Andalucian Prosecutor’s Office.

Instead, the case has now been referred to Moguer’s social services, which will work with the minors and their families following the violent attack.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains open to determine whether someone aged over 14 was also involved in the assault. If so, that individual could face criminal proceedings.

The footage has now been formally incorporated into the criminal investigation alongside the Guardia Civil’s report.

Earlier this week, minister Pedro Fernandez confirmed that the girls had been questioned by judicial authorities.

However, because all of the alleged attackers are below Spain’s age of criminal responsibility, they were released without criminal charges.

The focus of the case has now shifted towards child protection services and establishing whether an older teenager or adult also played a role in the assault.

The case has triggered widespread anger across Spain after the disturbing footage spread online, prompting renewed calls for social media users not to share the video, which continues to cause further harm to the victim.