Adult goads boys into web fight

YouTube said it would co-operate with any police inquiry

Detectives and social workers are investigating "appalling" footage on the internet showing two young boys being forced to fight each other.

The children, aged between 10 and 12, punch, kick and headbutt one another, while the man filming the attack goads them into becoming more violent.

Police in West Sussex have appealed for information to identify the people involved, thought to be from Crawley.

The man says to the boys: "You're fighting like girls. Fight properly."

The video is believed to have been shot in a bedroom and posted on YouTube five days ago.

This appears to be a case of child cruelty and criminal behaviour by any adult involved Det Sgt Richard Harris, Sussex Police

A second video was also posted on the video-sharing website, and is believed to involve the same two boys fighting in the same bedroom.

During one section of the footage, one of the boys looks into the camera and asks: "Kicking is allowed, isn't it?"

One of the boys shouts, "he's crying", after punching the second child in the face.

'Tiny minority'

Det Sgt Richard Harris of Sussex Police said: "This appears to be a case of child cruelty and criminal behaviour by any adult involved in the making of this appalling video.

"Sussex Police child protection team and West Sussex Young Persons' Services team will be working together to safeguard the welfare of the children and prosecute any adults involved in criminal behaviour."

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said: "The (videos) will be forwarded to the appropriate child care team to see if the children in the films are known to us."

YouTube said it would co-operate with any police inquiry.

A spokesman said: "YouTube is a community site used by millions of people in very positive ways.

"Sadly, as with any form of communication, there is a tiny minority of people who try to break the rules."