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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National

Syrian refugee bullied in shocking video: Donations to schoolboy reach £120k in huge outpouring of support

The bully holds a water bottle over his victim's head before 'waterboarding him' in the grounds of the school

A crowdfunding page has now raised more than £120,000 in support of a 15-year-old Syrian refugee bullied at school in a shocking violent video.

West Yorkshire Police said a 16-year-old boy is to be charged with assault after footage emerged of the teen boy with his arm in a cast, being dragged to the floor by his neck.

The alleged attacker then forces water from a bottle into the victim's mouth.

In a heartbreaking interview on Wednesday, the victim said he no longer feels safe studying at the school in Huddersfield.

The victim said he feels scared to go to school in a heartbreaking interview (ITV News)

His comments came as fresh footage emerged last night of what was said to be the boy's sister being physically abused at the same school in Huddersfield.

Police said a 16-year-old boy has been interviewed over the attack on the boy, and reported for summons for an offence of assault ahead of a youth court appearance.

Footage emerged last night of what was said to be the boy's sister being attacked

The boy was questioned by police over the footage in which the 15-year-old victim, with his arm is in a cast, is thrown to the ground.

He is dragged to the floor by his neck before his attacker says, "I'll drown you" while forcing water from a bottle into his mouth.

ITV News reported the victim fled war-torn Homs with his family and now feels unsafe going to the school following the incident last month.

"I woke up at night and just started crying about this problem. They think I'm different - different from them," he told the broadcaster.

"I don't feel safe at school. Sometimes I say to my dad, 'I don't want to go to school anymore'. I was just crying and I didn't do nothing because I respect the school rules."

Supporters say they are organising a peaceful protest outside the school on Thursday.

The bully holds a water bottle over his victim's head in the grounds of the school

He appears not to have been the only victim, with a fresh video emerging of a hijab-wearing girl pushed down a grass verge and shoved by a group.

The family's lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, said it is the boy's 14-year-old sister and she was attacked on Tuesday morning.

West Yorkshire Police said: "We have been made aware of a video showing a girl being assaulted.

"The incident had not previously been reported to the police but we are now liaising with the girl's family who we are continuing to support.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Kirklees District CID via 101."

West Yorkshire Police said: "The incident occurred on October 25 this year and has been subject to thorough investigation since it was reported to us the day after.

"The victim and his family are receiving ongoing support from police and other agencies."

The force said another "unconnected" incident occurred on October 7 and left the boy with a wrist injury

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