A teenager was killed after being held in a “chokehold” by a fellow pupil in West Lothian amid claims he was taking part in a “dangerous internet challenge”.
The family of 14-year-old Hamdan Khaliq say he suffered a seizure while at St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, a school once attended by chart-topping singer Lewis Capaldi, on Tuesday afternoon.
Hamdan was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead a short while later.
His relatives took to social media to express their heartbreak over the incident, and address claims his death had been caused by a popular TikTok game.
Relative Zain Mohammed said on Facebook: “A boy who’s been bullying him put him in a chokehold and wouldn’t let go. Unfortunately, he passed away this afternoon. I am absolutely devastated.
“The worst thing about it is being passed off as a game they were playing called ‘tap out’.
“This wasn’t the case. He was being singled out, and bullied for being different… Nobody intervened, they just watched the poor boy die.”
The teenager, who was from Harthill, West Lothian, was described by his friends and family as a “lovely little boy”, while tributes flooded in across social media.
Among them was Sana Khaliq, who also wrote on Facebook: “With a heavy heart our cousin Hamdan from Harthill passed away today. His life was lost during break time today at St Kentigerns Academy.
“Poor boy suffered a horrible death whilst many stood around and watched. Apparently, it happened over a game… I’m sorry but wherever this has came from needs checked as an incident occurred with him yesterday around a fight… which we believe has continued to today resulting in the loss of life.
“May Allah swt bless him with a place in the highest heaven… and bring the truth to light… ameen. Please remember the family in prayers during this difficult time.”
According to the Mirror, a police source said that a child in the school had been “targeted the day before his death” and that they were “investigating reports he was held in a chokehold by another pupil”.
They added: “We understand he suffered a seizure after this incident.”
The school offered its “emotional support” to pupils affected by the “isolated incident” in a statement on its website.
Its headteacher, Andrew Sharkey, added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends and we extend our deepest condolences and offers of support.
“We have set up ongoing emotional support and signposting for students and staff affected by this tragic news. We would like to respect the family’s privacy at this incredibly painful time.
“We are assisting the relevant authorities with their investigation to establish the facts and we will not be making any further comment at this time.”
