Video of attack on schoolboy being treated as hate crime

A video of an attack on a schoolboy, which has been shared by thousands on social media, is being treated as a hate crime, police have confirmed.

Charlton School in Telford, Shropshire, said it has taken "swift, immediate and appropriate action" over the incident on November 13, including sanctions and targeted intervention for the perpetrators.

The secondary school said in an online statement: "Charlton School is aware of an incident that took place on Friday 13 November involving a number of our students, on their way home from school.

"A police investigation is ongoing, and we are co-operating fully. Charlton School works hard to provide a safe, nurturing environment where proactive measures are taken to ensure students are protected from any types of bullying."

The statement also said the school is in contact with the parents of all those involved, who had told staff they are satisfied with the actions taken.

"The school is also working closely with the local Sikh community and its leaders at this time," it added.

West Mercia Police confirmed it is aware of a video of the incident circulating on social media.

In a tweet, the force said: "This is clearly an incredibly distressing incident. We are treating this as a hate crime and with the utmost seriousness."

West Mercia Superintendent Jim Baker said: "The boys involved in this incident have been identified and our inquiries are continuing. This also includes joint working between our youth offending team and the school to ensure suitable action is taken."

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