CARLISLE'S MP has said there is 'no place in our society' for racism following reports of an alleged hate crime on a black schoolboy in Carlisle. 

John Stevenson's comments follow after a video circulated on social media that appeared to show the student being assaulted by a white teen before being made to kiss his shoes. 

As a result of the reported Upperby incident on Friday (March 15), four boys in their early teens, all from Carlisle, have been arrested. 

One was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated actual bodily harm.

The other three were arrested on suspicion of abetting racially aggravated actual bodily harm.

"The incident as reported is clearly troubling," Mr Stevenson said. 

"Such incidents have no place in our society and must be dealt with in a timely manner.

"Of course, we must leave the actual investigation to the police.

"However, it is extremely important that we as a society do not tolerate racism or bullying activities such as this," he said. 

The MP said he would be in contact with both the school and Cumbria Police over the incident.

Over the weekend, Cumbria Constabulary voiced concerns over the "abhorrent" images from this incident being widely shared online, urging the public to refrain from spreading any related video content.

Police will be increasing patrols in Carlisle in response to concerns from the community.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Anti-Racist Cumbria indicated they have been working closely with police and the school to help support the family involved. 

 

"We understand the boy is doing 'okay' but we know his recovery will take time. 

"We hope the family will be reassured a little bit at least by such unwavering solidarity from around our county and beyond'," a spokesperson said.