News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The family of a teen accused of bullying a Syrian refugee at a school in Huddersfield have been forced to flee their home because of vigilante threats, it is claimed.

A video shared online shows the victim being racially abused, grabbed, shoved to the ground, and held down by the throat as water is poured over his face.

Police said earlier today that a 16-year-old boy is set to be charged with assault after the attack on the boy, 15, which happened on October 25.

It was shared thousands of times after it was posted on Twitter.

As a result, it is reported, vigilantes turned up at the alleged bully's home in Huddersfield, shouting abuse last night.

On top of that, threats of violence have been made online.

A neighbour told Sun Online: "The boy’s family were moved out last night for their own protection.

“People were pulling up in their cars in the early hours and shouting threats and all kinds of abuse.

“It was disgusting.”

West Yorkshire Police declined to confirm if the family had been moved.

The force earlier said the 15-year-old victim and his family are receiving ongoing support from officers and other agencies, and "safeguarding measures" are in place to protect them.

An online campaign has raised more than £70,000 for the family.

The victim, who was wearing a cast on his left arm when he was attacked, had suffered a wrist injury in a "previous unconnected incident" which was also "fully investigated" but did not lead to charges, said police.

A GoFundMe set up to support the victim and his family raised more than £50,000 in less than 24 hours as celebrities including Countdown's Rachel Riley and BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey supported the victim.

Countdown presenter Riley tweeted: "Loads of love to [the boy], refugees deserve refuge. These bullies do not represent what I want my country to be.

"I hope the other kids were running over to help, it’s not enough to be a bystander if someone is getting hurt, even when it’s scary."

BT Sport presenter Humphrey shared a link to the crowdfunding page and wrote "please find out which football team he/they support and let me buy them an all-expenses paid trip to a game".