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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Debbie Hall

Community in shock as 14-year-old boy dies at school

A tight-knit community is devastated after a 14-year-old boy died at school.

Emergency services raced to St Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn and rushed the boy to hospital, by the S3 student died shortly after.

Police said they received a call to attend the school at lunchtime.

A spokesperson said: "Around 1.20pm on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023, officers were called to a report of concern for a 14-year-old boy at a school in the Bathgate area.

“He was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment, but died a short time later.

"His family have been informed and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.”

The school's headteacher, Andrew Sharkey, said it was a "painful time for everyone involved."

He continued: “Everyone in our school community has been devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of our pupils.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends and we extend our deepest condolences and offers of support.

“We have set up ongoing emotional support and signposting for students and staff affected by this tragic news.

“We would like to respect the family’s privacy at this incredibly painful time.

“We are assisting the relevant authorities with their investigation to establish the facts and we will not be making any further comment at this time.”

A statement on the West Lothian Council website added: "We can confirm that emergency services were called to St Kentigern's Academy earlier today following an isolated incident within the school grounds.

"All parents of pupils directly affected have been contacted and we are assisting the relevant authorities with their ongoing enquiries."

"We have set up emotional support and signposting for students affected by today's incident and are unable to comment further at this time due to an ongoing police investigation."

One parent said: "My 13 year old is at this school & this is horrific, terrifying!! I can’t even imagine what this family is going through, your child not coming home from school!

Thoughts are with this family, such a horrific thing to happen."

Another added: "Disturbing that it happened at a school where we send our kids to be loved, taught & encouraged to thrive only for them not to return, it’s truly heartbreaking.

"Sending my thoughts to his family & friends, as well as any who witnessed this horrific incident & may be traumatised for life."

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