Two Questioned After Boy Dies in Social Media Challenge

Police are questioning two individuals in connection with the death of an 11-year-old child who was reportedly participating in a hazardous TikTok challenge.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested and a 35-year-old woman has been interviewed in connection with Tommie-lee Gracie Billington's death on March 2. Billington lost consciousness and died during a sleepover in Lancaster.

Photo: facebook.com/unpixs

An inquiry discovered that Tommie-lee had breathed poisonous substances, which are thought to be part of a dangerous fad known as "chroming," in which people inhale chemicals such as paint, solvents, aerosol cans, and cleaning products to achieve a short-term high. This procedure can have serious health consequences, such as heart attacks and asphyxia.

Lancashire Police detained a man from Lancaster on suspicion of child cruelty, neglect, cocaine possession with intent to supply, and money laundering. He has been released on bail awaiting further investigations. The woman, also from Lancaster, was interviewed voluntarily for possession with intent to supply before being released under investigation.

Following Tommie-lee's death, his grandmother, Tina Burns, voiced her family's grief and said he was involved in the chroming mania. Burns expressed the importance of raising awareness about the risks of TikTok for youngsters.

"He had a heart of gold just like his dad. Our family is utterly devastated," Burns added. "We want to help save other children's lives and give families awareness to keep their children safe."

Tommie-lee lived with his mother, Sherri, in Lancaster, and his father, Graham, lived in Clayton-le-Woods and South Ribble. Both families are motivated to raise awareness about the dangers of social media.

Burns, a teaching assistant, emphasized the need to inform parents and children about these risks. "I have had so many messages from parents thanking me for making them aware," she stated. "We need to get this important message out to all schools."

Tommie-lee's mother, Sherri, also advised parents to hide household goods that could be misused. In a message to Facebook, she said, "Please, please, please hide all deodorants from your children. This cost my son his life from trying something other kids are doing."

The practice of chroming predates TikTok's launch in 2018, and the platform has since restricted videos and searches containing the phrase. Experts continue to advocate for greater protection for adolescents from such tendencies, warning of serious health hazards.

A social media specialist, Hannah O'Donoghue Hobbs, told MailOnline, "It really scares me how they can gain any reach whatsoever. No child should lose their life as a result of videos and backwards influencing like this."

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Photo: facebook.com/unpixs / Dailymail

Police question two people after boy, 11, with 'heart of gold' died while taking part in toxic fume social media challenge at a friend's sleepover | Daily Mail Online