POLICE say they are considering whether to charge a boy filmed at intu Merry Hill threatening to spit on a police officer.

Footage emerged on social media of the boy swearing and making threats to officers and security guards as they approached while patrolling the mall to ensure shoppers adhered to coronavirus prevention rules.

He was also heard coughing in the video posted by the Birmzisgrime Instagram account as he told officers and security staff: "Don't keep walking this close to me. I will spit on you. It's the rona - it is corona."

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We are aware of a video circulating of a boy threatening to spit at a police officer outside a store in the Intu Merry Hill centre in Brierley Hill.

"The incident took place in October and the boy in the footage was issued with a fixed penalty notice for not wearing a mask.

"Consideration is being given as to whether a charge should be progressed for assaulting a police officer as enquiries continue."