Two teenagers arrested after black boy told to 'kiss shoes' of white youngster in viral video
Thug threatened to 'slap 50 shades' out of clearly distressed victim
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Your support makes all the difference.Two teenagers have been arrested after a video posted to social media showed a black lad being slapped and ordered to kiss a white boy’s trainers.
The footage, which has been viewed almost 2 million times, captures the moment two youngsters – one male, one female – order their victim onto his knees in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.
“Kiss my fresh Air Force Ones that I paid £120 for,” the thug demands.
In a second clip, he can be heard threatening to “slap 50 shades of black” out of his victim, who is said to have autism.
Towards the end, as the boy – who makes repeated futile attempts to placate the aggressors – gets to the floor, an older woman shouts from out of shot for the teenagers to leave him alone.
In both videos – filmed at the town’s cricket club – other teenagers can be seen watching the altercation and heard laughing.
West Yorkshire Police have now said a 17-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Chief Superintendent Julie Sykes said: "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.”
The action came after Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford used Twitter to reach out to the youngster.
“I got you my guy,” he wrote. “I appreciate the love and support you send me constantly. Keep that head of yours high. Love, your friend, MR.”
Shabir Pandor, the leader of Kirklees Council, told The Guardian he had been “appalled” by the video.
“Racism and any other kind of discrimination or bullying does not have any place here,” he said.
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