14-year-old arrested and bailed after video shows Bradley Lowery image used to taunt Sunderland fans

A 14-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and subsequently bailed after a video circulating on social media appeared to show a Coventry City fan taunting Sunderland supporters with a photograph of Bradley Lowery during Saturday's Premier League match. The teenager handed himself into West Midlands Police, who said they were investigating the incident.

Bradley Lowery, a Sunderland fan, died at the age of six in 2017 after being diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer and captured the hearts of the football world. His mother, Gemma Lowery, posted on Instagram: "So much of Bradley's short life was spent battling cancer and enduring treatments no child should ever face." She added: "To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt." In an update through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which raises funds and awareness to help and support children with cancer, Lowery said her "beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate."

West Midlands Police confirmed the 14-year-old handed himself in and that inquiries were ongoing into the footage. The force said it understood the upset the video had caused and that officers were keeping Bradley's family updated as the investigation continued.

A spokesperson for Coventry City said: "Coventry City FC is aware of footage circulating on social media in connection with an incident during our Premier League fixture against Sunderland [on Saturday]." The club's statement added: "The club does not tolerate offensive behaviour and will liaise with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate course of action."

Gemma Lowery said she did not want hatred directed at the teenager involved and instead wanted him to learn from his actions, according to the statement released via the Bradley Lowery Foundation.

The 14-year-old has been bailed while the police probe continues, with West Midlands Police maintaining contact with Bradley's family and Coventry City indicating it will work with authorities to establish what action should follow.