A 16-year-old boy will appear in court in connection with an attack on a young Syrian refugee which was filmed and shared on social media, police have said.

West Yorkshire Police said the teenager has been interviewed and reported for summons for an offence of assault.

Officers said he will appear before a youth court "in due course".

The boy was questioned by police over the footage in which the 15-year-old victim, whose arm is in a sling, is thrown to the ground and threatened with drowning.

In statement West Yorkshire Police said: "Regarding the assault on a 15-year-old youth in Almondbury, which featured in a video posted on social media yesterday and has been widely reported in the media, a 16-year-old youth has been interviewed and reported for summons, for an offence of assault. He will appear at Youth Court in due course.

"The incident occurred on 25 October this year and has been subject to thorough investigation since it was reported to us the day after. The victim and his family are receiving ongoing support from police and other agencies.

"Media are reminded that proceedings are active and involve a juvenile. We would advise not to share the video on websites or social media sites as it could prejudice future criminal proceedings. Safeguarding measures have been put in place for the victim and his family.

"A previous unconnected incident on 7 October, in which the victim suffered a wrist injury, was also fully investigated at the time. Three youths were interviewed. There was no further police action and the matter was referred to the school."

The video has been widely shared online, provoking outrage and prompting wellwishers to set up an online crowdfunding page for the victim which received £50,000 in donations in the space of a day.

In a letter to parents on Wednesday, Almondbury Community School headteacher Trevor Bowen said: "You will be aware of widespread media reports about an incident which took place in school. The incident happened on our Fernside site a number of weeks ago.

"The safety and welfare of students is our number one priority and I can assure you that this situation is being taken extremely seriously.

"The matter is subject to an ongoing police investigation and, as I am sure you understand, we must be guided by the authorities in the amount of detail we are able to provide. However, I can confirm we are working with the police to support their enquiries.

"Since the incident occurred in October, the school, the local authority and the police have all taken action. We must allow the legal process to take its course, but I want to be absolutely clear that we do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any sort in our school.

"I can also assure you that we are working very hard to ensure it is 'business as usual' across the school and that there is no disruption to the children's education. The wellbeing of students is of paramount importance to us and a high level of support is available to anyone who may need it."

MP Barry Sheerman, said he had been supporting the boy and his family since the incident came to light.



 

A fundraising page has already raised more than £50,000 for the victim who is named as Jamal.

Mohammed Tahir, who set up the funding page, said: "I'm overwhelmed by the support that we've received and I can't thank everyone enough for the generous donations they have made.

"I am working alongside Go Fund Me so we can make sure every last penny gets to the family and I want to thank them for their support.

"I hope we can improve the quality of their life and put a smile on their faces.

"Bullying will not be tolerated, and I firmly stand against it. It has no place in our society, our love will always overcome hate. We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.

"I've read all the messages of support and I'm sorry I haven't replied to each one individually but once again, thank you. None of this would have been possible without the generosity in your hearts, you're all amazing."