Schoolboy, 14, killed in 'extremely rare' suspected murder as police warn teens
Christopher McBurnie was "found collapsed".
Police provide update after the murder of Christopher McBurnie
A schoolboy has been killed in what police have described as an "extremely rare" suspected murder - as officers fired a warning to other teenagers following the tragedy.
Christopher McBurnie was "found collapsed" and police said he was pronounced dead at the scene, while a "juvenile suspect" has been arrested in connection with his death.
The 14-year-old passed away despite "immediate medical intervention" in the picturesque coastal town of Ramsey on the Isle of Man, which is ranked as one of the safest places in the world.
In March, the annual Global Residence Index rated the British Crown dependency to be the third on the list, behind only the micro-states of Liechtenstein and Andorra.
The Mirror reports the island community has been rocked by the incident, with a police investigation now ongoing and the other youngster remaining in custody yesterday for questioning.
Isle of Man Constabulary's Chief Constable Foster said he was "aware" that footage of the incident was being shared among local teenagers on social media. He urged youths not to share the videos, and instead hand them over to police.
In a video statement last night, he said: "It is with deep sorrow that I confirm the tragic death of Christopher Benjamin Robert James McBurnie, who was just 14 years of age.
"Our thoughts, heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy with the family, friends and loved ones during this extremely sad and incredibly difficult time.
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"Specialist officers are supporting Christopher's family and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. At 3.38pm on Thursday 29 May 2025, emergency services responded to an incident in the area of Close Drean, Ramsey.
"Christopher was found collapsed. Despite the valiant efforts of members of the public, our officers, the Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics, they were unable to save Christopher.
"And whilst he was pronounced deceased at the scene, the official cause of death will be determined by a Home Office pathologist in due course."
"A murder investigation has been launched and I can confirm that a juvenile suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is detained in custody."
He added: "I would ask that people refrain from distributing such imagery, which is likely to cause significant distress and increase tension in a community which is already shocked by the magnitude of an occurrence which is extremely rare for the Isle of Man.
"I would like to take this opportunity to appeal for calm and allow the investigation team to conduct a thorough and professional investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact police on 631212"
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Friends of the family have set up a JustGiving page to raise money for funeral expenses - and have so far smashed their £5,000 target by raising over £7,300.
In a tribute to Christopher, JustGiving organiser Chloe Callister said the youngster brought "so much joy and love to his whole family" who "love him so deeply."
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