Four arrests made in connection to hate crime investigation in Carlisle
Officers have responded to online footage appearing to show a racially-aggravated assault
Four arrests have been made in connection to a racially-aggravated hate crime in Carlisle.
The incident was reported to police on Friday night after video footage of an assault circulated online, appearing to show a black schoolboy being punched and pushed, and being made to kiss a white boys shoe.
The four boys arrested are all from Carlisle and in their early teens.
One has been arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated actual bodily harm.
The other three were arrested on suspicion of abetting racially-aggravated actual bodily harm.
In a statement, Superintendent Sarah Jones said “these are abhorrent images circulating online that have caused shock and concern in both the community and among officers here at Cumbria Police."
"We understand an incident such as this can be concerning for many but we can reassure the community this is an incident we are taking very seriously."
Anyone with information should contact officers on 101.