Police investigate alleged Bradley Lowery taunt as 14-year-old hands himself in

West Midlands Police have opened an investigation after footage appeared to show a Coventry City supporter using a photograph of Bradley Lowery to taunt Sunderland fans. A 14-year-old boy has handed himself in and officers said they would speak to him, according to reporting by the Sunderland Echo on Sunday.

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The footage circulated after Coventry's 3-1 Premier League win at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday, October 31. Police said they were working with both clubs and updating Bradley's family as the investigation progressed. The Sunderland Echo reported that no arrest or charge had been confirmed, leaving the circumstances of the alleged incident under investigation.

Coventry also acknowledged the footage and said the club would consult the relevant authorities before deciding what action to take. In its statement, the club said offensive behaviour was unacceptable. Its response did not announce a sanction against an individual, but set out its intention to work with those examining the incident.

Bradley was a Sunderland supporter who died in 2017, aged six, after suffering from neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. ITV News reported that his mother, Gemma Lowery, issued a statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which raises money and awareness to support children. She said the photograph involved was among her favourite pictures of her son.

Gemma described the distress of seeing a happy family memory apparently used to upset other supporters. She recalled that Bradley had been enjoying himself when the photograph was taken, contrasting that moment with the long periods he spent undergoing cancer treatment. She also explained that her family follows Sunderland at home and away, and distinguished football rivalry from mockery of a child who had died.

Her response included an appeal against retaliation. As reported by ITV News, she asked people not to direct hatred towards the young supporter and said she wanted him to understand the hurt caused. She hoped the club would take appropriate action and his family would help him learn, while thanking those who had defended Bradley and supported his family.