Boy, 14, who died at Lewis Capaldi’s old school was ‘put in chokehold’
Boy, 14, who died at Lewis Capaldi’s old school was ‘put in a chokehold by fellow pupil during playground incident’, claims cousin – as police deny link to TikTok challenge
- Family say that Hamdan Khaliq, 14, died after being put in a chokehold at school
A 14-year-old boy schoolboy died ‘after being put in a chokehold’ in the grounds, his family has claimed.
Emergency services were called to St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian yesterday to try to save Hamdan Khaliq, 14.
The school, where singer Lewis Capaldi was once a pupil, said there had been an ‘isolated incident’ within the grounds. Hamdan was taken to hospital but died a short time later.
Police reportedly do not think the incident was part of an ‘online challenge’ amid social media speculation it was a so-called ‘tap out’ game.
His heartbroken cousin, Zain Mohammed, said: ‘Hamdan was being bullied for being different. He was put in a chokehold and it’s being passed off as a game called Tap Out.’
He told the Daily Record: ‘Hamdan was innocent and gentle and wouldn’t hurt a fly. He was reserved and he didn’t speak very much.
Emergency services were called to St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian yesterday
‘He was a good boy and so family oriented. We can’t believe he is gone. It’s a devastating loss. We loved him very much.’
A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘Around 1.20pm on Tuesday June 6, officers were called to a report of concern for a 14-year-old boy at a school in the Bathgate area.
‘He was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment, but died a short time later.
‘His family have been informed and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.’
The school, where singer Lewis Capaldi was once a pupil, said there had been an ‘isolated incident’ within the grounds
A statement posted on the school’s website said emergency services were called following an isolated incident within the school grounds.
Headteacher Andrew Sharkey said: ‘Everyone in our school community has been devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of our pupils.
‘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.’
