A video which shows a 15-year-old schoolboy being attacked by other schoolchildren at a Leicester school has gone viral, prompting community outrage.
Footage of the distressing incident, which took place at Judgemeadow Community College, has been shared online.
There is some speculation that the incident is alleged to be an inter-faith crime. However Leicestershire Police have confirmed that this is not the case.
“The incident is in no way a race or religiously motivated offence,” they said.
“This incident was reported to the force last Tuesday (9 January) and extensive enquiries have been conducted into it and officers have liaised closely with the school to establish the full circumstances surrounding the assault.
“We would ask that people do not share the video wider and do not speculate about the identity of those involved due to concerns about the impact this will have on the victim and the fact it may hinder the police investigation.”
Jason Smith Principal at Judgemeadow College has released a statement condemning the attack.
“The assault is being taken very seriously and the perpetrators will be sanctioned at the highest possible level,” he said.
“We have been dealing with the incident since we returned to school after the holidays and before the film went vital. Unfortunately we were unable to stop the film getting onto social media.
“I want to assure you that Judgemeadow will not tolerate such behaviour by its pupils and we won’t hesitate to act with severe sanctions in response.
“While I appreciate that news of this incident may cause you some concern, I want to re-iterate that it was isolated and is being dealt with.”
Leicestershire Police are conducting their own investigation of the incident.
Anyone with information should contact them on 101.
