Man arrested after schoolboy, 11, dies after allegedly taking part in 'chroming' challenge
A man has been arrested after an 11-year-old schoolboy died while allegedly taking part in 'chroming' challenge, police have said.
Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington suffered a suspected cardiac arrest back in March after reportedly taking part in the online challenge known as 'chroming'.
'Chroming' sees people sniffing toxic chemicals - including paint, aerosols and cleaning products - in order to achieve a short-term 'high'.
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Tommie-Lee's grandmother Tina Burns said at the time of his death that her grandson had allegedly attempted the dangerous stunt while staying at a friend's house, and was later found unresponsive by paramedics at the property.
North West Ambulance Service called local police to the scene shortly after 12.00pm on Saturday, with the 11-year-old quickly being rushed to hospital before being pronounced dead.
"The boys had tried the TikTok craze 'chroming'," Tina said. "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."
TikTok has denied any affiliation with the trend.
And this week, Lancashire Police confirmed they'd questioned the man for alleged child cruelty and neglect, the BBC reports.
The 25-year-old had also been arrested for suspicion of possession with intent to supply a drug and money laundering.
He has since been released on bail while their enquiries are ongoing, it has been reported.
A 35-year-old woman was also interviewed voluntarily as part of authorities' initial investigations, after she was deemed suspicious of having possessed with intent to supply dangerous substances.
She has also been released under investigation.
Tina had previously urged social media bosses to 'do more' in order to protect young users from potentially-fatal trends.
"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," she said.
His mother Sherri also emphasised the risk that these toxic chemicals can have if they fall into the wrong hands, warning parents to 'hide all deodorants from their children' so they can't take part in the so-called challenge.
"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." she wrote on Facebook.
A GoFundMe page has been set up in Tommie-Lee's honour, with the funds accumulated being used to support his family.
Tyla has previously contacted TikTok for comment.
Rhianna Benson