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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Steven Morris

Social media built narrative that Christopher Kapessa’s death was racist killing, say police

13-year-old Christopher Kapessa wears an orange top in a photograph provided by the family
Undated family handout file photo issued by south Wales police of 13-year-old Christopher Kapessa, who died after allegedly being pushed into the River Cynon on 1 July 2019. Photograph: Family handout/PA

A senior police officer has raised concerns that a “narrative” was built up suggesting the death of a black boy allegedly pushed into a Welsh river by a schoolmate was a racist killing.

Det Ch Insp Matt Powell, who led the police investigation into 13-year-old Christopher Kapessa’s death, said comparisons to Stephen Lawrence’s murder on social media led to tensions rising in the community and meant the suspect had to be given protection.

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