[Mrluvaluva]

A boy almost choked to death after a gang of children strung him up and hung him from a tree with a home-made noose, it has emerged.

Bradley McLachlan, seven, was left dangling inches off the ground after the three boys he had been playing reportedly ran off laughing.

With the rope wrapped round his neck and body, Bradley struggled for air.

But the youngster managed to pull his body up to take off some of the strain around his neck before an older boy who was walking by set him free.

Police believe he could have died if he had hung there much longer.

His mother Sharleen, 30, said: "I feel sick and shocked someone could do this, not least other children.

"This wasn't just a game that went wrong, it's far more serious. I can't get my head around it.

"There were marks under his chin and they right up around the back of his head.

"The police said he could have died if he hadn't been so light and small. It's just awful."

Bradley met the boys, believed to be as young as seven, in Portsmouth's Branbury Park on July 28.

They were playing in a den and told him to wait outside before they invited him in and tied him up.

A month after the assault detectives are still investigating the circumstances.

They made a fresh appeal for information to help identify the children responsible, who are unknown to the victim.

Detective Sergeant Fiona Holland, of Hampshire Police, said: "We need to speak to the children involved to ensure they understand the possible consequences of the incident and ensure whilst they are out playing during the summer holidays they are also staying safe.

"We would also like to speak to the boy who helped the victim from the tree. This boy had no involvement in the incident, but may have seen something that could assist the inquiry."


Source


Words fail me...