AN ALLEGED vicious attack by guards on a transgender prisoner in Brazil has provoked worldwide outrage from LGBT-rights supporters.

Veronica Bolina, 25, has accused police of brutally beating her, “pulverising” her face, shaving her head and stripping her, the Mirror reports.

Ms Bolina was arrested on April 12, accused of assaulting an elderly neighbour Laura Preciado, 73, and attempted murder, CNN reports.

Pictures have since emerged of Ms Bolina allegedly taken during her arrest, lying partially naked on the ground, as well as close-ups of her swollen, bruised and almost unrecognisable face.

It is reported that Ms Bolina was attacked by officers on three separate occasions after being taken into custody, according to the International Business Times— a claim denied by officials.

An official police statement claims she was attacked by prisoners when she was seen performing a sex act on herself in her cell and that officers were forced to intervene, the IBT reports. It has been claimed that her injuries were the result of a struggle after she bit an officer on the ear. Ms Bolina admitted in an interview with Sao Paulo city authorities responsible for gender issues that she bit one of her jailers in the male detention centre, according to CNN.

LGBT campaign groups have condemned the attack and outraged activists have coined the slogan #SomosTodasVeronica or “We are all Veronica”.

Sao Paulo authorities say the public defender’s office is investigating the matter and working to ensure Bolina is permanently transferred to a detention centre where she can have an individual cell and use women’s clothing.

Veronica Bolina, a trans POC was beaten in prison. She's only a human being. Treat her like one. #SomosTodasVeronica #TransLivesMatter — PRETTYKEEKO. (@kt_flexing) April 18, 2015