A disturbing video of a schoolboy found hanged from a tree has emerged on social media – showing him being punched in the face just days before his death.
Tragic Adam Tharia, 15, was discovered suspended – but alive – from the branch of a tree in a public park on the afternoon of May 21.
Police were called to the scene in Cheltenham, Glos., and officers lowered him to the ground before he was flown to Bristol Children’s Hospital by air ambulance.
Doctors fought to save Adam but he passed away three days later with his family at his bedside.
Footage has since emerged of the teenager surrounded by other boys – before one of them punches him in the face.
It is understood the video is widely in circulation online and shows the “outdoorsy teenager who loved skateboarding” standing in a field.
Adam is clearly being threatened and appears to physically brace himself for the blow, but does not raise his hands in self defence.
He is punbched in the face and falls to the ground as the group around him laughs. The camera then closes in on his face as he lies motionless on the ground.
The chillingly brief video was filmed just one week before the pupil at Bournside School, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, died.
Gloucestershire Police, who are still investigating the youngster’s death, said they were aware of the video.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Police are investigating all the circumstances of the sad death of 15-year-old Adam Tharia, from Cheltenham, who was found hanging in parkland near to Robert Burns Avenue, Cheltenham on May 21.
“It would be inappropriate to discuss the specifics of the investigation while it is on-going.
“We can however confirm that police are in possession of a piece of footage that appears to show Adam being punched by another boy around a week before.
“We are keeping an open mind about what this might tell us, and continue to assess all relevant information.
“We would ask media not to speculate on the background to the footage and to bear in mind family sensitivities at a very difficult time.”
Following Adam’s death, his family said: “Adam was a wonderful son and brother.
“We will always love him and will miss him so very much.”
