Boy dies after ‘isolated incident’ at Lewis Capaldi’s old school

Emergency services were called to St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian, on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian, on Tuesday afternoon (PA) (PA Archive)

A school community has been left devastated after a 14-year-old boy died following an incident in the grounds, the headteacher has said.

Emergency services were called to St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian, on Tuesday afternoon.

The school, where singer Lewis Capaldi was once a pupil, said there had been an “isolated incident” within the grounds.

The pupil was taken to hospital but died a short time later

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 1.20pm on Tuesday June 6, 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.

Everyone in our school community has been devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of our pupils

Andrew Sharkey, headteacher

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

A statement posted on the school’s website said emergency services were called following an isolated incident within the school grounds.

Headteacher Andrew Sharkey said: “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.”

Local politicians have expressed their sympathies.

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.”

Linlithgow and East Falkirk MP Martyn Day 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.”