"Saddened to see such vile behaviour towards a young boy."
Disturbing footage of a racist attack on a Sikh boy has been shared by thousands on social media.
The pupils involved were from Charlton School, Telford.
The video shows the victim and two ‘white’ students involved in a fight where the two students are shown punching and throwing the victim to the ground.
The video has outraged the Asian Sikh Community, mainly for the racial nature of the attack.
The incident reportedly took place on November 13, 2020, and has led to outrage.
During the fight, the victim seen trying to fight his attackers off before he is put in a headlock and his turban is pulled off.
They laugh at him before the boy is pushed to the ground, pinned down and punched repeatedly on the back of the head.
A petition has been created, condemning the participants of the racist attack.
The petition asked Charlton School to address the matter and to take action against those responsible. It currently has more than 42,000 signatures.
Warning – Distressing Footage
So infuriating and distressing to see bullies assault a Sikh boy so viciously. Hate has no place in our schools or in our kids’ hearts.
To the leaders at the @charlton_school: Please know that we’re watching and expect you to hold these boys accountable.
pic.twitter.com/w4EbX2Xj3m— Simran Jeet Singh (@SikhProf) November 25, 2020
Twitter users were quick the condemn the racist attack and have urged action to be taken.
The behaviour of those boys is deplorable and I hope they are charged to the full extent of the law. I don’t care how ‘young’ they are. If anyone plays this off as a ‘youthful indiscretion’, they are as ignorant as the boys themselves. #Charltonschool #Sikh #Disgraceful
— ? (@d_aiya_) November 26, 2020
Author Amandeep Madra OBE stated that the video reminded him of the racism he suffered during the 1970s and called for Charlton School to take action.
Labour MP Tan Dhesi agreed and said: “Saddened to see such vile behaviour towards a young boy. Bullying and anti-Sikh hate cannot be tolerated.
“Charlton School, looking to you to take immediate action and for others in Telford to assist in ensuring swift measures taken.”
West Mercia Police have said that they are treating the attack as a hate crime.
A police statement said: “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.”
Superintendent Jim Baker added: “The boys involved in this incident have been identified and our enquiries are continuing.
“This also includes joint working between our youth offending team and the school to ensure suitable action is taken.”
The National Police Sikh Association UK has also tweeted about the incident.
Thank you for this update. We trust @WMerciaPolice and the school involved to handle this matter with the sensitivity it needs.
We advise the community to avoid contacting the school directly about this matter and updates will be provided in due course by @WMerciaPolice. https://t.co/nfMys4NgQ3
— National Sikh Police Association UK (@nspauk) November 25, 2020
Charlton School has said that it had taken “swift, immediate and appropriate action” against the students involved in the attack.
In a statement, the school said: “A police investigation is ongoing, and we are cooperating fully.”
The school said that although the incident did not take place during the normal hours of the school day, it had taken full responsibility.
The school is working with all students involved, and the wider school community, to prevent any further such incidents from occurring.
Charlton School stated: “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.”
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