BEREAVED MUM'S WARNING OVER SOCIAL MEDIA CRAZE
The mother of an 11-year-old boy who died after he was believed to have taken part in a dangerous social media craze has called on the platforms to take action.
Tommie-lee Gracie Billington was found unresponsive after a sleepover at a house in Lancaster in March.
The opening of an inquest was told he had inhaled "toxic substances".
Sherri-Ann Gracie, who described Tommie-lee as a "loving boy" and the "life and soul" of their house, said she was "angry" videos showing peoples sniffing or inhaling toxic substances, as Tommie-lee is understood to have done, are still available online.
She said: "[They] really need to do more before this happens to any other people.
"I don't want anyone else to suffer like this, because it's awful.
"It has left a huge hole, not only in our family but in our hearts as well."
Mrs Gracie said she wanted to make sure children - who "think they're invincible" - were aware of activities that were apparently encouraged on social media
"They don't know the consequences and unfortunately my Tommie-lee didn't," she said.
Tommie-lee's older sister, Crystal, said she has seen similar content and she has reported it online.
She said she and her brother, who wanted to be a footballer, were very close.
"We did everything together," she said.
An inquest into Tommie-lee's death has been delayed to allow further investigations.
A 25-year-old man from Lancaster arrested over allegations of child cruelty and neglect remains on bail, Lancashire Police said.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected]
- Boy, 11, found dead at house as police investigate
- Inquest into boy's 'social media craze' death opens
- Boy, 11, died trying social media craze - family
Related internet links
2024-07-04T09:33:34Z dg43tfdfdgfd