A 14-year-old boy has surrendered to West Midlands Police following the circulation of a video on social media that appeared to show a supporter mocking Sunderland with an image of Bradley Lowery during Saturday's Premier League fixture between Coventry City and Sunderland.

Bradley Lowery was a young Sunderland supporter who died in 2017 at the age of 6 after battling neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. His story captured the hearts of football fans across the country.

West Midlands Police confirmed a formal investigation is now under way. "We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an incident at Coventry City's Premier League match with Sunderland," the force said in a statement. "A thorough investigation has been launched, and a 14-year-old boy has since handed himself in and will be spoken with in due course."

Officers added that they understood "the upset and outrage this video has caused in the community and to the victim's family," and pledged to keep the family informed while working alongside both clubs.

Coventry City said on Sunday that they were investigating the footage and made clear the club "does not tolerate offensive behaviour," pledging full cooperation with the relevant authorities.

Gemma Lowery's emotional appeal

Bradley's mother, Gemma Lowery, released a statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation — the charity she established to raise funds and awareness for children with cancer — describing the incident as "heartbreaking."

"As Bradley's mam, this is heartbreaking, especially as it's one of my favourite photographs of him. Just look at that smile," she wrote. "I remember that day like it was yesterday. He was so happy, having so much fun. Those moments were precious because they were few and far between."

She reflected on how much of Bradley's short life had been spent enduring cancer treatments "no child should ever face," and said seeing that memory weaponised in such a way made her heart hurt.

"We are a football-loving family who follow Sunderland home and away. I'm all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter?"

Gemma said she hoped the club would take appropriate action and that the boy's family would help him understand the impact of his actions. She also asked that no hatred be directed at the teenager himself.