Boys accused of torture

TWO boys accused of torturing three young brothers near a railway line have appeared before magistrates, it was disclosed yesterday.

The accused, aged 10 and 11, are charged with trying to force a six- year-old to electrocute himself on a railway track.

They are further charged with tying the boy's hands and feet and stabbing him in the arm.

The children, from Newcastle upon Tyne, are also charged with making threats to kill, three charges of indecently assaulting the boy and his two brothers, aged seven and 10, and two of assault causing actual bodily harm.

The offences allegedly took place last month beside a railway line in Newcastle.

The two accused boys, who cannot be named, were arrested last Thursday and interviewed by police in central Newcastle.

They appeared before a special sitting of Newcastle magistrates on Saturday and were remanded to reappear before the city's youth court this morning.