Brazilian police officers arrested after 'shooting boy'

Disturbing video footage was shot last August but has only just come to light.

FIVE BRAZILIAN POLICE officers have been arrested after being filmed apparently shooting a young teenage boy at point-blank range.

The footage of the shocking incident was captured on a security camera in August and appears to show the police talking to the boy in the town of Manaus, before one of them shoots him in the chest, the BBC reports.

The video only came to light recently and according to prosecutors was held back because the 14 year old and his family were afraid of retribution.

The teenager sustained several wounds but survived the shooting and is now in a witness protection programme with his family.

Amazonas state prosecutor Joao Bosco Sa Valente said the officers would face charges of attempted homicide

CBS news has the disturbing video [viewer discretion advised], which appears to show the teenager standing against a wall surrounded by police men. He is shot by one of them and remains standing, but appears to then be shot a number of other times.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

Brazilian police officers arrested after 'shooting boy'

Read more at the BBC News website>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.