Teens have been urged to hand videos over to police after 14-year-old Christopher McBurnie died in an ‘extremely rare’ suspected murder on the Isle of Man – one of the safest places in the world
An island community has been rocked after a 14-year-old boy died and a youngster was arrested in an “extremely rare” suspected murder.
Christopher McBurnie was “found collapsed” by emergency services in the picturesque coastal town of Ramsey on the Isle of Man on Thursday. Despite “immediate medical intervention”, police said the teenager was “tragically” pronounced dead at the scene. A “juvenile suspect” has been arrested in connection with the investigation and remained in custody yesterday for questioning. News of the incident has sent shockwaves across the Isle of Man, where murder investigations are highly unusual.
In March, the annual Global Residence Index ranked the British Crown dependency as third safest place in the world, behind only the micro-states of Liechtenstein and Andorra.
Isle of Man Constabulary’s Chief Constable Foster said he was “aware” that footage of the incident was being shared among local teenagers on social media. He urged youths not to share the videos, and instead hand them over to police.
In a video statement last night, he said: “It is with deep sorrow that I confirm the tragic death of Christopher Benjamin Robert James McBurnie, who was just 14 years of age”
“Our thoughts, heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy with the family, friends and loved ones during this extremely sad and incredibly difficult time. Specialist officers are supporting Christopher’s family and will continue to do so throughout the investigation.
“At 3.38pm on Thursday 29 May 2025, emergency services responded to an incident in the area of Close Drean, Ramsey where Christopher was found collapsed. Despite the valiant efforts of members of the public, our officers, the Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics, they were unable to save Christopher.
“And whilst he was pronounced deceased at the scene, the official cause of death will be determined by a Home Office pathologist in due course.”
“A murder investigation has been launched and I can confirm that a juvenile suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is detained in custody.”
He added: “I would ask that people refrain from disputing such imagery, which is likely to cause significant distress and increase tension in a community which is already shocked by the magnitude of an occurrence which is extremely rare for the Isle of Man.
“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal for calm and allow the investigation team to conduct a thorough and professional investigation.”
“Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact police on 631212 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
Friends of the family have set up a JustGiving page to raise money for funeral expenses – and have so far smashed their £5,000 target by raising over £7,300. In a tribute, organiser Chloe Callister said Christopher brought “so much joy and love to his whole family” who “love him so deeply.”