A MURDER investigation is underway after a teenage boy was tragically killed in an “extremely rare” attack.
Cops confirmed that a “juvenile suspect” had been arrested after Christopher McBurnie, 14, was found dead in Ramsey on the Isle of Man.
Isle of Man ConstabularyChristopher, 14, was described as a “beautiful” boy[/caption]
Isle of Man ConstabularyChief Constable Russ Foster called on witnesses to avoid sharing footage online[/caption]
Emergency services were scrambled to the coastal town where the teenager had been found collapsed at around 3.40pm last Thursday.
Despite their best efforts, the youngster was pronounced dead at the scene.
The official cause of Christopher’s death will be determined by a pathologist at a later date.
Speaking last Friday, Isle of Man Chief Constable Russ Foster explained that a probe had been launched and a youth had been taken into custody.
He said: “It is with deep sorrow that I confirm the tragic death of Christopher McBurnie, who was just 14 years of age.
“Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy with the family, friends and loved ones during this extremely sad and difficult time.
“A murder investigation has been launched and I can confirm a juvenile suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
“Specialist officers are supporting Christopher’s family and will continue to do so throughout the investigation.”
A JustGiving page set up to cover funeral costs for the teen has raised over £11,000 – more than double its £5,000 target.
The fundraising organiser praised Christopher as a “beautiful” boy and called on fellow islanders to raise “much needed funds” for relatives.
It read: “Christopher brought so much joy and love to his whole family who love him so deeply.
“In the hope we can provide some comfort to Christopher’s family at this very difficult time, I’m hoping our Island can come together and raise some much needed funds at this very sad time.
“If you are able to donate, your kindness will make a tremendous difference to Christopher’s family and help towards funeral costs.”
Chief Constable Foster also called on witnesses with footage of the horrific incident to avoid sharing it on social media and hand it in to police instead.
He added: “We are aware that imagery of this incident was recorded by witnesses and is now featuring on social media platforms.
“I’m mindful that social media features in all of our lives in one way or another, but that should not mean that our values and respect as a community should be compromised.
“Distributing such imagery is likely to cause significant distress in a community which is already shocked by the magnitude of an extremely rare occurrence for the Isle of Man.”
The investigation has sent shockwaves across the island, which is ranked by the Global Residence Index as one of the safest places in the world.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
