Police issue statement after teenage boy left fighting for life in Leeds kickboxing tragedy

West Yorkshire Police have issued a statement after a teenage boy was left fighting for life following a kickboxing tragedy.
Leeds Martial ArtsLeeds Martial Arts
Leeds Martial Arts

A teenage boy was in a critical condition in hospital after collapsing during a national kickboxing competition, police have said.

Scott Marsden needed urgent medical attention during an English kickboxing title fight in Leeds on Saturday.

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West Yorkshire Police said the incident was not being treated as suspicious.

Police say the boy is 14, but other reports from the club put his age at 15.

A force spokesman said: "At 1.20pm on Sunday, police were contacted by medical staff at Leeds General Infirmary reporting a 14-year-old boy who was in a critical condition after collapsing during an organised kickboxing contest at Alexandra Mill, Morley, on Saturday night.

"The family of the boy are at the hospital and have been spoken to by officers.

"Inquiries are being carried out into the circumstances."

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Scott is believed to be a member of Marsden's All Styles Kickboxing, in Sheffield.

The club posted a statement on Facebook on Sunday, which said training was cancelled until further notice.

A post written earlier in the day said: "Unfortunately, (Saturday) night's English title fight had to be stopped due to Scotty needing immediate medical attention."

The post said the fight was very close when it was halted.

"There was no way to foresee the fight ending in such a way as at no point were either ever in any overwhelming danger from each other," it added.

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"Everyone is still in shock as there were simply no signs to suggest the fight needed to be stopped.

"The referee stepped in to protect Scott as soon as he could, which meant Scott did not hit the canvas and was laid down and straight into recovery position.

"Scott was then taken to hospital."