West Lothian school ‘devastated’ after death of 14-year-old boy

A 14-year-old boy has died after an incident at a West Lothian school that has left staff and pupils “devastated”.

Emergency services were called to St Kentigern’s academy in Blackburn on Tuesday afternoon. The school said the incident, which is understood to have involved two 14-year-old boys, took place within the grounds on Tuesday lunchtime. A pupil was taken to hospital but died shortly after.

A Police Scotland 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 inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.”

Speaking to media on Wednesday morning, the headteacher, Andrew Sharkey, said: “Everyone in our school community has been devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of our students. 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.”

He added: “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.”

Police officers were present at the school on Wednesday and school staff escorted pupils to bus stops and waiting cars at the end of the school day. A solitary bouquet of flowers was left near the entrance, signed from “a former pupil”.

St Kentigern’s is a Catholic comprehensive school of about 1,300 pupils, with former pupils including the singers Lewis Capaldi and Susan Boyle.

Local politicians expressed their sympathies. The Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop, tweeted: “My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the pupil who has died at St Kentigern’s academy in my constituency. I hope those closest to him are given the privacy they deserve at this tragic time. Pupils and staff I am sure will be supported through this period.”

Martyn Day, the Linlithgow and East Falkirk MP, tweeted: “My deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the S3 pupil at St Kentigern’s who sadly died yesterday after an incident at the school.

“I would ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy whilst a full investigation takes place into this tragic incident.”