School devastated by boy's death after 'isolated incident'

A school says it has been devastated by the death of a 14-year-old boy after an "isolated incident" on its grounds.

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

Police officers were sent to the school at about 13:20. The S3 pupil, who has not been named, was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

Police Scotland said inquiries were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

In a statement, St Kentigern's Academy said it was an "isolated incident within the school grounds".

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

Head teacher Andrew Sharkey said the school community was "devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of our pupils".

He said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends and we extend our deepest condolences and offers of support.

"We would like to respect the family's privacy at this incredibly painful time."

Mr Sharkey told BBC Scotland that the school - where singers Lewis Capaldi and Susan Boyle are former pupils - remained open and pupils were being supported.

He said: "We deal with it as a community, we provide support, we look after them and we make sure they are always as safe as we can make them."

Scotland's Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: "My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of this pupil, and all of the students and staff at the school affected by this terrible news."

Linlithgow and East Falkirk MP Martyn Day offered his "deepest condolences" to the boy's family and friends.

He added: "I would ask everyone to respect the family's privacy whilst a full investigation takes place into this tragic incident."