French boy, nine, beaten to death with a broom for refusing to do his homework

A nine-year-old boy was beaten to death in France after refusing to do his homework, according to reports.

Four members of the same family have reportedly been arrested after the boy’s death at his home in Mulhouse.

According to the BBC, local media reported that the boy was hit with a broom handle after refusing to do his homework.

It is thought his elder brother, sister and stepsister were all present at the time but his mother, who was also reportedly arrested, was away on a business trip.

Police are reported as saying the boy had been hit by ‘blunt objects’ which left bruises on his body.

The four members of the family are expected to appear before a local prosecutor.

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People in Mulhouse held a vigil following the boy’s death, which reportedly happened in September.

The boy’s death comes as France’s National Assembly is considering a ban on smacking.