Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated offences after a number of videos circulated on social media showing a black boy being bullied in West Yorkshire.
The videos, which have been viewed more than 1.5m times on Twitter, show a white teenage boy and a white teenage girl repeatedly shouting at the black boy to kneel and kiss their trainers.
At least three people filmed the incident, which shows the black boy being slapped by the white boy and goaded by the girl as bystanders laugh. The white boy tells the victim to kiss his “fresh Air Force 1 Pro I paid £120 for” as the girl shouts “knees, now”. On one of the videos, the white boy threatens to “slap 50 shades of black” out of him.
Towards the end of one of the videos, the boy bends to kiss the shoes as the voice of an older woman shouts at the teenagers to leave him alone.
West Yorkshire police said two teenagers had been arrested after a video was reported to them on Wednesday.
The force said it appeared the video had been filmed at Holmfirth cricket club, near Huddersfield, earlier this week. It provoked outrage on social media and a local barber posted a message saying they had sacked a member of staff in response.
The Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford used Twitter to say he had “no words to describe” the actions of the teenagers. He told the victim, who is said to have autism: “I got you my guy, always. I appreciate the love and support you send me constantly. Keep that head of yours high. Love, your friend, MR.”
Ch Supt Julie Sykes said on Thursday: “We were made aware last night of a serious incident at Holmfirth cricket club following the posting of a video on social media, and have been conducting urgent inquiries regarding what has taken place.
“A male aged 17 has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault and a female aged 16 has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. They are both currently in police custody.
“We are supporting the victim and his family and working closely with local partner agencies as we conduct a full investigation into what has taken place.”
Shabir Pandor, the leader of Kirklees council, said he was “absolutely appalled” by the video. “Racism and any other kind of discrimination or bullying does not have any place here in Kirklees,” he said.
