'Bullied' boy, 14, died after being 'put in chokehold' at Lewis Capaldi's school
A teenager who died during an "isolated incident" at Lewis Capaldi's old school was being violently bullied, according to his grieving family.
Hamdan Aslam's relatives said the 14-year-old boy was held in a "chokehold" by another pupil during the "isolated incident" at St Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian, on Tuesday afternoon.
Witnesses said the teenager appeared to suffer a seizure at the school musician Capaldi attended.
Hamdan was taken to hospital but died a short time later.
His relatives took to social media to rubbish rumours the youngster died during a game popular on TikTok.
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The investigation into the death continues in West Lothian (Daily Record)Zain Mohammed, a relative, wrote 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."
Hamdan, from Harthill, West Lothian, was described as a "lovely little boy" by friends of the family and hundreds of tributes have been posted across social media.
Police Scotland said they are investigating the circumstances of his death.
Hamdan's cousin, Sana Khaliq, posted 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."
Tributes have been left outside the school (Daily Record)
The school says it will assist the authorities to establish the facts (Daily Record)A police source said: "We've been told the child was targeted the day before his death and involved in an altercation which continued the next day. We are investigating reports he was held in a chokehold by another pupil. We understand he suffered a seizure after this incident."
A family friend said: "Hamdan was a truly lovely young boy. His family used to own a takeaway shop and are well-known in the community. We are all devastated for them."
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A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Around 1.20pm on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023, 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 enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death."
Lewis Capaldi said he enjoyed music lessons when he attended the school (Getty Images)The school posted on their website they are offering "emotional support" for pupils and described it as an "isolated incident."
Writing on the school website, headteacher Andrew Sharkey said: "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."
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