10 June 2024 , 16:41
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Two people have been questioned by police after a "bright" 11-year-old boy died while taking part in a dangerous TikTok challenge.
Tommie-lee Gracie Billington allegedly "inhaled toxic substances" during a sleepover and, although he was rushed to hospital, the boy later died. A 25-year-old man was arrested and a 35-year-old woman was interviewed following the death.
Since the tragedy, Tommie's heartbroken grandmother, Tina Burns, claimed he had taken part in the chroming craze, which involves inhaling dangerous chemicals and substances, like paint, nail polish remover, hairspray and aerosol deodorant. Parents have been warned about the new craze since late last year.
Now, Lancashire Police said the man, from Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of child cruelty, neglect, possession with intent to supply a drug and money laundering. The force said he had been released on bail pending further enquiries. The woman, also from Lancaster, was interviewed voluntarily in relation to an allegation of possession with intent to supply and was released under investigation.
Tommie-lee's relatives, including dad Graham (pictured), shared their grief in March (Facebook)Chroming, also called "huffing", affects the central nervous system and slows down brain activity, which results in a short-term "high." However, the trend, which leads to slurred speech, dizziness, hallucinations, nausea and disorientation, can also cause a heart attack or suffocation.
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Ms Burns claimed her grandson and other children at the sleepover partook in the craze. She had said: "He had a heart of gold just like his dad. Our family is utterly devastated. He died instantly after a sleepover at a friend's house. She claims the boys had tried the TikTok craze 'chroming'. Tommie-Lee went into cardiac arrest immediately and died right there and then. The hospital did everything to try and bring him back but nothing worked. He was gone."
Tommie-Lee lived with mum Sherri in Lancaster whilst his dad Graham's side of the family lived in nearby Clayton-le-Woods and the South Ribble area of Lancashire. Tina previously said both families wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of TikTok for youngsters. The teaching assistant added: "Both our families are utterly devastated but we all want the same thing. We don't want any other children to follow TikTok or be on social media.
"In fact, we want to get TikTok taken down and no children to be allowed on any social media under 16 years of age. This is breaking us all but we want to help save other children's lives and give families awareness to keep their children safe. I have had so many messages from parents thanking me for making them aware. One person said that she had no idea about these social media crazes and that her children happily stay in their rooms on TikTok.
"She never knew there were things like this on it. She has now removed all social media from their devices and is so grateful that we are openly talking about it. I am a teaching assistant and work in year five and six. I have been open and honest with my headteacher so that we can get this important message out to all schools too."
Tommie-Lee's mum Sherri also urged parents to 'hide all deodorants from their children' so they are unable to take part in the challenge. Posting on Facebook, she wrote: "As much as I hate talking about it, I need to raise awareness of what kids are trying nowadays. Please, please, please hide all deodorants from your children. This cost my son his life from trying something other kids are doing. They are using this and breathing them in to try get a buzz. It is beyond me why anyone would even try this. It's so dangerous."