Police in the US are investigating after a series of videos emerged showing high school cheerleaders screaming in pain while being forced into the splits during training.

The cheerleading coach responsible has been removed from his position over the disturbing footage - while the school principal and an assistant principal have been placed on leave.

The video shows coach Ozell Williams forcing 13-year-old Ally Wakefield into the splits while her arms are held by  teammates.

Ms Wakefield said she tore a ligament and a leg muscle during the exercise which is known as 'breaking.'

The videos were shot by members of the cheerleading team and were sent anonymously to KUSA TV in Colorado. The channel said it had received other videos showing a total of eight cheerleaders repeatedly being forced into splits: