The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Horror over boy’s death Community: Town in shock after 10-year-old dies and girl badly injured
Residents of Coupar Angus were yesterday struggling to come to terms with the “devastating” incident that has left a 10-year-old boy dead and an eight-year-old girl fighting for her life.
People reacted with horror to local reports that Kane Morris, 10, and the girl had been attacked in a converted flat on the town’s Union Street.
Kane was pronounced dead at the scene while the other victim was rushed to Ninewells Hospital, where
“He was the kind of boy that made a mark on you”
she is in a critical but stable condition.
A 37-year-old man was found seriously injured outside the property after falling from a window and has been arrested.
A police spokesperson declined to confirm the incident had involved a stabbing but floral tributes, cards and other items were placed near the site where the youngster died.
A message released by Kane’s family through the police read: “Kane was a popular young boy within the community, he was full of energy and loved dearly by all.
“As you can understand, this is a devastating experience for us as a family.
“Although we appreciate all your well wishes, we ask for privacy at this highly sensitive time.”
One of his former teachers said he had a “wicked sense of humour”.
“He was such a funny, happy little boy,” she said.
“I only taught him for a short time but he just stands out so much. He was the kind of boy that made a mark on you. It is so horrible to think he’s gone.”
Police forensic specialists continued to work at the scene – an RBS branch that was turned into flats three years ago – after lifting the cordon that had blocked off Union Street throughout Sunday.
The flat’s top floor window was open as officers worked inside and outside the property. The stairwell was also cordoned off. Officers carried out door-to-door inquiries, as well as posting patrols at the property and at the local primary school.
Friends of the two children were said to be too upset to attend the school and had been kept away. Local MSP and Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited the scene yesterday.
“This is devastating news and my heart goes out to the children and their family and friends,” he said.
“The Coupar Angus community is so close to home for me and the news is literally impossible to comprehend.”
The Rev Andrew Graham, the local minister, opened Coupar Angus Abbey to give local people the chance to “take some time to sit and reflect”.
He said: “Our community has been hit very hard by this tragic event.”