A 13-year-old schoolboy has died after being discovered unconscious in a park in south Wales.
Police have launched an investigation into the “unexplained” death after the child was found on Friday evening in a park in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly.
The boy was taken to hospital in Cardiff where he was pronounced dead by medics, Gwent police said.
Ystrad Mynach Park, which has a children’s play area with swings and slides, is directly across the road from the town’s police station.
The teenager’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Christopher Parry, head teacher at Lewis School Pengam where the teenager attended, said the school was “devastated”.
Parry said: “It’s with immense sadness that today I heard the news that one of our pupils has passed away. We are all devastated by this tragic loss. We will providing support for pupils in the weeks ahead but in the meantime my thoughts and prayers are with the family. There are no words.”
DCI Sam Payne, who is leading the investigation, said: “At this time enquiries are ongoing and the investigation into this young boy’s death are still in the early stages.
“Specialists are working to determine the exact cause of death and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Gwent police added: “At around 7.20pm on Friday 12 April, emergency services responded to reports that a 13-year-old boy had been found unconscious in Ystrad Mynach Park, Caerphilly Road, Ystrad Mynach.
“He was taken to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where sadly he was pronounced deceased.
“Officers are investigating the circumstances of the incident and are treating the boy’s death as unexplained.”
Police are appealing for information, asking those who can help to call 101 quoting log 523 12/4/19 or ringing Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
