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Raheem Bailey: Police drop investigation into finger-loss bullying claim Raheem Bailey: Police drop investigation into finger-loss bullying claim
(4 months later)
Raheem's mother Shantal said her son had been bullied "from the get-go"Raheem's mother Shantal said her son had been bullied "from the get-go"
Police have dropped an investigation into an alleged assault in which an 11-year-old boy lost a finger.Police have dropped an investigation into an alleged assault in which an 11-year-old boy lost a finger.
Raheem Bailey, a pupil at Abertillery Learning Community in Blaenau Gwent, claimed he caught his finger climbing a fence trying to escape bullies.Raheem Bailey, a pupil at Abertillery Learning Community in Blaenau Gwent, claimed he caught his finger climbing a fence trying to escape bullies.
Gwent Police said it took such reports "extremely seriously" but the nine-month investigation has concluded no-one else was involved in the injury.Gwent Police said it took such reports "extremely seriously" but the nine-month investigation has concluded no-one else was involved in the injury.
The force said it had met Raheem's family to inform them of the outcome.The force said it had met Raheem's family to inform them of the outcome.
Raheem's mother Shantal Bailey said her son was attacked on 17 May by a group of children who kicked him when he was on the floor.Raheem's mother Shantal Bailey said her son was attacked on 17 May by a group of children who kicked him when he was on the floor.
Raheem underwent surgery following the incident but doctors had to amputate the finger.Raheem underwent surgery following the incident but doctors had to amputate the finger.
'Racism and constant abuse' of boy who lost finger'Racism and constant abuse' of boy who lost finger
Outrage after boy loses finger amid bullying claimOutrage after boy loses finger amid bullying claim
Gwent Police described the investigation as "complex" and said: "Officers have interviewed several people under caution and viewed CCTV footage from the school.Gwent Police described the investigation as "complex" and said: "Officers have interviewed several people under caution and viewed CCTV footage from the school.
"Our investigation found that Raheem left the school premises of his own accord, and no other persons were involved in him sustaining the injury to his hand."Our investigation found that Raheem left the school premises of his own accord, and no other persons were involved in him sustaining the injury to his hand.
"After undertaking a detailed and thorough investigation we will not be taking any further action.""After undertaking a detailed and thorough investigation we will not be taking any further action."
Raheem said he had been subjected to continued abuse at schoolRaheem said he had been subjected to continued abuse at school
Boxer Anthony Joshua and footballer Jadon Sancho were among those to send messages of support to Raheem.Boxer Anthony Joshua and footballer Jadon Sancho were among those to send messages of support to Raheem.
Ms Bailey set up a fundraising campaign following the incident which has received over £100,000 in donations. She is looking into having a prosthetic fitted.Ms Bailey set up a fundraising campaign following the incident which has received over £100,000 in donations. She is looking into having a prosthetic fitted.
Gwent Police added: "We have worked closely with the school leadership team and the local authority and have appreciated their co-operation though this complex investigation.Gwent Police added: "We have worked closely with the school leadership team and the local authority and have appreciated their co-operation though this complex investigation.
"We all remain committed to keeping children safe.""We all remain committed to keeping children safe."
Blaenau Gwent council said its thoughts were with Raheem and his family and that it was commissioning an independent review to identify any lessons to improve the response to future incidents.Blaenau Gwent council said its thoughts were with Raheem and his family and that it was commissioning an independent review to identify any lessons to improve the response to future incidents.
"First and foremost, a young person has suffered a life-changing injury, and our thoughts remain with the learner and his family," a council statement read."First and foremost, a young person has suffered a life-changing injury, and our thoughts remain with the learner and his family," a council statement read.
"This has been an extremely difficult time for all involved. The incident unfortunately led to widespread commentary on social media and in the press, including by some high profile stakeholders."This has been an extremely difficult time for all involved. The incident unfortunately led to widespread commentary on social media and in the press, including by some high profile stakeholders.
"The press and social media coverage fuelled unhelpful speculation during an ongoing police investigation when the school and the council were unable to comment.""The press and social media coverage fuelled unhelpful speculation during an ongoing police investigation when the school and the council were unable to comment."
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Wales
AbertilleryAbertillery
Blaenau Gwent CouncilBlaenau Gwent Council
RacismRacism
Blaenau GwentBlaenau Gwent
Gwent PoliceGwent Police