A police investigation has been launched after a video went viral of a young Sikh child being attacked and bullied by fellow students over his turban.

Charlton school has now promised promised "swift action" over the incident.

Background

The incident of bullying took place on Friday 13th November, involving a number of our students, on their way home from school.

The video, posted to social media last night, shows children attacking a young Sikh child, and then laughing at him as his turban falls off. The video may be distressing to some viewers.

Members of your school are attacking and racially abusing another pupil just because he is a practicing sikh, this sort of rasicm is disgusting and will not be tolerated, what are you going to do about it? @charlton_school pic.twitter.com/VGVTfPLhN3

— Standard apna™️ (@standardapna) November 24, 2020

The video went viral on Twitter today and Barfi Culture called the school for comment.

Several people on social media condemned the shocking incident.

Ravi Singh, founder of Khalsa Aid International, tweeted: "This is unacceptable and shocking !! The school (@charlton_school) must take immediate action ! Bullying and racism shouldn’t be tolerated !"

Response

The school has now posted this statement:

"Charlton School is aware of an incident that took place on Friday 13 November involving a number of our students, on their way home from school."

"We have taken swift, immediate and appropriate action, including sanctions and targeted intervention for the perpetrators. A police investigation is ongoing, and we are co-operating fully. Charlton School works hard to provide a safe, nurturing environment where proactive measures are taken to ensure students are protected from any types of bullying."

"Although this incident did not take place during the normal hours of the school day, we have taken full responsibility for working with all students involved, and the wider school community, to prevent any further such incident from occurring. 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 it’s leaders at this time."

West Mercia Police also tweeted:

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. pic.twitter.com/pVcyAjIyqK

— West Mercia Police (@WMerciaPolice) November 25, 2020

Tan Dhesi, the only turban wearing Member of Parliament, tweeted:

Well said @amanmadra. 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.https://t.co/HF44PzgqrE

— Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) November 25, 2020

UPDATE from West Mercia police:

Superintendent Jim Baker: "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."

This story will be updated with new developments.