UK police to charge student after Syrian schoolboy attacked

In the video, the 15-year-old Syrian is grabbed by the throat and pushed to the ground. His attacker forces water into his mouth, saying "I'll drown you."

It was not clear who shot the video of the incident, which occurred last month at a school in Huddersfield, northern England, but several students are seen in the footage watching on.

West Yorkshire police said Wednesday that a 16-year-old youth had been interviewed and reported for summons for assault, and that he would appear at a juvenile court in due course.

"The incident occurred on 25 October 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 police said.

The police also confirmed that the Syrian boy, seen in the video with a cast on his left forearm, had a wrist injury from a "previous unconnected incident" on October 7. Three youths were interviewed over that incident.

"There was no further police action and the matter was referred to the school," the police said.

The office of Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman confirmed to CNN Wednesday that the victim was Syrian, while British media reports say he is believed to be a refugee.

In a Twitter post, Sheerman described the video as "absolutely shocking."

"Have been supporting the family since it was first brought to my attention. Understand from council that the school have taken strong action. Will be following up to ensure all available support is being given!" he wrote.

A GoFundMe page was close to reaching its target of raising £50,000 ($64,000) in financial support for the boy and his family on Wednesday morning, 14 hours after it was launched.

The incident happened at the Almondbury Community School, which describes itself as "inclusive" on its website.

The school's head teacher, Trevor Bowen, said in a statement that the safety and welfare of students was the school's "number one priority" and that the "situation is being taken extremely seriously."

"Since the incident occurred in October, the school, the local authority and the police have all taken action. We must allow the legal process to take its course, but I want to be absolutely clear that we do not tolerate unacceptable behavior of any sort in our school."

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