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Police investigate 'incredibly distressing' video showing two young boys punching Sikh child

Watch: Police investigate video showing schoolboys attacking fellow pupil

Police have launched a hate crime investigation after a video emerged showing a schoolboy being attacked by two fellow pupils.

The clip, which was filmed on 13 November and has since been widely shared on social media, shows the boy, who is reportedly a Sikh child, being kicked to the ground and then repeatedly punched in the head.

West Mercia Police have also launched a hate crime investigation after the pupils were identified.

They told Yahoo News UK in a statement: “We’re aware of a video circulating on social media of a boy being attacked by two other boys.

“This is clearly an incredibly distressing incident. We are treating this as a hate crime and with the utmost seriousness.”

Police are treating the incident as a hate crime
Police are treating the incident as a hate crime

Charlton School, in Telford, has confirmed the boys attend the school and said it had taken “appropriate action” against thfe alleged perpetrators.

Birmingham MP Preet Kaur Gill described the alleged attack as “repugnant”, adding: “We must send a message that bullies don’t win.”

Superintendent Jim Bake said: “I know the video has caused significant concern amongst our communities.

“Our enquiries into the motivation around the incident are continuing and we are working with our local communities to provide reassurance.”

Charlton School told Yahoo News UK it had “taken full responsibility for working with all students involved”.

It said in a statement: “We have taken swift, immediate and appropriate action, including sanctions and targeted intervention for the perpetrators.

“A police investigation is ongoing, and we are co-operating fully.”

The incident happened while the boys were walking home from school
The incident happened while the boys were walking home from school

The school added: “We are in contact with the parents of all those involved, who tell us they are satisfied with the actions we have taken.

“The school is also working closely with the local Sikh community and its leaders at this time.”

Audio of the footage, which has not been used by Yahoo News UK in order to prevent identification of the children in the video, appears to show the boys laughing after the child's turban comes off his head.

Sikh Council UK praised police after they announced the incident was being treated as a hate crime.

It tweeted: “Thanks @WMerciaPolice for understanding the seriousness of the incident! For Sikhs, their kesh (unshorn hair) is sacred.

“It’s distressing for the entire Sikh Community. The impact on the child and family is immeasurable.”

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