Tributes have been paid to a tragic 14-year-old boy who died after being found in an Alexandria park.
Schoolboy Niven Murchison died in hospital after he was discovered by a dog walker in Christie Park on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 12.35pm and he was taken by ambulance to hospital where he later died.
Residents saw several police cars in the surrounding streets, as well as forensic officers scouring a cordoned off area just after 3pm.
Police are treating the death as unexplained.
Niven was a pupil at Dumbarton Academy and formerly attended at the Vale of Leven Academy, where a assembly took place yesterday to inform pupils of the news.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie expressed her sadness at the news and offered condolences to his family. She said: “My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of this young boy during what will be a devastating time for them.”
Friends have taken to social media expressing their sorrow at the tragedy.
James Ramage posted on Facebook: “So sad, can’t believe it” while Frances Mckeown described it as “truly heartbreaking”.
Islelagh-mae Taylor Shaw wrote: “Absolutely devastated to hear what’s happened.
“Still can’t get my head around it, RIP angel still can’t believe you are gone, you will be missed by many. Gone but not forgotten. Sleep tight wee man taken far too soon”.
Lauren McEwan described the teen as “the nicest wee boy ever” while Arran Beattie added: “RIP ma boy, going to miss you so much mate. Fly high and I’ll see you on the other side.”
Meanwhile, Save the Vale community group extended their thoughts to the teenager’s family on social media. In a comment on Saturday, they said: “From all the team here at “Save the Vale” we wish to extend our thoughts and love to the family of the young youth who passed away today after an incident in Christie Park.
“We would like to ask everyone to give the family respect and space. And not to speculate.
“If you or anyone has information about this incident please call 101.”
Gillian Goodwin posted: “God love him, so young. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Sandra McSorley wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Emergency services attended at Christie Park in Alexandria at 12.34pm on Saturday after a member of the public requested assistance.
“A male youth was taken to hospital, where he has subsequently died. The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.”
A council spokeswoman said: “We are doing everything that we can to support our young people and the wider community at this sad time.”
Niven’s family said they did not want to speak when we approached them at their home in Alexandria yesterday.
