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Why this picture of Spring Break revellers on a bus has sparked outrage

A busload of Spring Break revellers have caused outrage after they sported ear-to-ear grins for all the wrong reasons.

While it’s hardly unusual to see the young partygoers enjoying themselves, a photo of the grinning students shared by the Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office in Florida sparked fury online.

What at first glance appears to be a nice group photo quickly reveals itself as anything but.

“Full bus of 14 #SpringBreak arrests by 2:40 PM today. We remind you we have #ZeroTolerance for underage drinking! 21 is the law -and it's strictly enforced for your safety and the safety of those around you,” the Sheriff’s Office tweeted.

The group were all smiles on their bus trip. Source: Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office / Twitter
The group were all smiles on their bus trip. Source: Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office / Twitter

The beaming Spring Breakers had all been arrested for underage drinking.

The handcuffs on one youngster did little to dampen her spirit, raising them above her head for the group shot.

But not everyone found their antics quite so amusing, with social media users shaming them for their lack of remorse.

“Far too many think it is funny. Nothing funny about breaking the law, Parents should not tolerate this and these kids should be ashamed,” one woman wrote in response to the photo.

“Agree, zero tolerance,” another wrote.

Others jumped to the students' defence, instead taking aim at the Florida police officers for overreacting and damaging their futures by sharing the image.

“You realise these students are being treated like felons for a minor in possession misdemeanour? Yes, they are shackling students for a misdemeanor," one Twitter user replied.

"Arrest the hell out of DUIs & severe alcohol crimes. But they are shackling kids for the legal equivalent of a traffic ticket."

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