Boy hands himself in after Bradley Lowery taunt

A 14-year-old boy has handed himself into West Midlands Police after a video posted on social media appeared to show a Coventry City fan taunting opposition Sunderland fans with a photo of Bradley Lowery.

Sunderland fan Bradley, who died aged six in 2017 after being diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer, captured the hearts of the football world.

The Sky Blues said they were investigating the video footage from Saturday's Premier League match and Bradley's mother, Gemma, issued an emotional statement.

West Midlands Police said they had begun an investigation. "A 14-year-old boy has since handed himself in and will be spoken with in due course," a spokesperson said.

The police spokesperson added: "We understand the upset and outrage this video has caused in the community and to the victim's family, and our officers are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation and working closely alongside both football clubs."

Coventry City said in a statement earlier on Sunday: "Coventry City FC is aware of footage circulating on social media in connection with an incident during our Premier League fixture against Sunderland [on Saturday].

"The club does not tolerate offensive behaviour and will liaise with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate course of action."

Gemma Lowery issued a statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which raises funds and awareness to help and support children with cancer, saying her "beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate".

She posted on Instagram: "As Bradley's mam, this is heartbreaking, especially as it's one of my favourite photographs of him. Just look at that smile.

"I remember that day like it was yesterday. He was so happy, having so much fun. Those moments were precious because they were few and far between.

"So much of Bradley's short life was spent battling cancer and enduring treatments no child should ever face.

"To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt."

She added: "I'm all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter?"

The mother said she hoped the club took "appropriate action" and the individual's family helped him understand "how hurtful his actions were".

"I don't want hatred directed towards him, so please please don't, just for him to learn from this," she said.

"Thank you to everyone who has defended Bradley and shown us so much love. It means more than you know."

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