Four adolescents were taken into custody for involvement in a incident where a black student was subjected to racial harassment, recorded, and then distributed through social media.
The Cumbria police have stated that the pictures being shared online are extremely repulsive and that the incident in the Upperby neighborhood of Carlisle is being investigated as a hate crime.
The footage depicts a student being bullied by a classmate of a different race through taunts, shoving, and punching, and ultimately being forced to kiss the aggressor’s shoes.
On Friday, an event occurred where a teenage boy was arrested by the Cumbria police following the sharing of a video that had been viewed thousands of times. The arrest was in response to a report of a hate incident.
The force announced on Saturday afternoon that three additional boys had been taken into custody.
According to a statement from Cumbria police, officers were called to respond to a report of a hate incident with racial motivations last night (Friday). The community has expressed concerns after images were shared on the internet.
Four boys, who are in their early teens and reside in Carlisle, were arrested. One of them was arrested under the suspicion of committing racially aggravated actual bodily harm, while the other three were arrested on suspicion of assisting in racially aggravated actual bodily harm.
As a result of the arrests, authorities requested that individuals refrain from further sharing the video.
According to Superintendent Sarah Jones, there are deeply disturbing images circulating online that have caused alarm and distress in both the community and among the police officers at Cumbria police.
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We acknowledge that an event like this can cause worry for many people, but we want to assure the community that we are taking it very seriously. As a result, we have made four arrests.
Our team has been working tirelessly overnight and will continue to conduct investigations throughout the day.
“As individuals have been apprehended, we strongly advise against sharing the video in order to avoid obstructing any ongoing legal actions or identifying the minors involved.”
The Cumbria police department stated they were boosting their patrols in the city due to worries raised by the community.
According to the organization Anti Racist Cumbria (ARC), they have knowledge of a circulating video depicting a “violent racist hate crime.” However, they advise against sharing it as it may have a negative impact.
The post on Instagram stated that some individuals are sharing a video without warning or permission. We will not be sharing the video in question.
“Anti Racist Cumbria are deeply saddened and outraged by the disgusting act of racism and violence against a Black local schoolboy in our community.
“We want to convey our love and support to the boy and his family, as many are also feeling for them. We have contacted the Cumbria constabulary to offer assistance to the child and their family. Several concerned parents of Black and Brown students at the school have reached out to us.”
“All children have the fundamental right to feel secure and valued, and should not have to experience discrimination, harassment, or physical harm due to their race, ethnicity, or any other personal trait… It is important to acknowledge that this is not an isolated event and does not occur without context.”
“The text emphasizes the pressing need for thorough education on anti-racism and the implementation of initiatives to tackle and ultimately eliminate the underlying sources of racism. We urge educators, parents, and community leaders to actively prioritize anti-racism efforts in our schools, communities, and all other areas.”
John Stevenson, the member of parliament for the Conservative party representing Carlisle, stated: “The expression of racial discrimination and verbal attacks is unacceptable within the boundaries of Carlisle. I commend the actions taken by the local police and will work closely with them on this matter.”
Authorities are requesting individuals with any details to get in touch with law enforcement by calling 101.
Source: theguardian.com
