First Minister says there may be lessons for government after death of West Lothian schoolboy
Humza Yousaf is also calling for the end to speculation about the incident
Last updated 8th Jun 2023
First Minister Humza Yousaf says there are lessons for the government and local authority to learn following the death of a West Lothian schoolboy on Tuesday afternoon.
The 14-year-old, who's being named locally as Hamdan Aslam, was taken to hospital following an incident at St Kentigern's Academy where he later lost his life.
Speaking at First Minister's Questions, Humza Yousaf was quick to offer his sympathies.
Mr Yousaf said: "This is the worst tragedy.
Anyone who is a parent will know there cannot a worse fear - a worst nightmare - that any parent has than losing a child.
So I cannot think what the family are going through."
But, the SNP leader also called for an end to rumours regarding the incident and for authorities to learn from what happened.
Following on from previous comments from a Linlithgow MSP, he said: "I would echo Fiona Hyslop's calls both in terms of not speculating on what has happened, that there be an appropriate investigation and that lessons should be learned, not just by the local authority and educational institutions but there may well be lessons for the government to consider as well."
The school said that the incident was “isolated”, and that emotional support for students affected by the incident had been set up.
Police also reportedly do not believe the incident was part of an "online challenge" despite social media speculation within the community
A school statement at the time said: “We can confirm that emergency services were called to St Kentigern’s Academy earlier today following an isolated incident within the school grounds.
“All parents of pupils directly affected have been contacted and we are assisting the relevant authorities with their ongoing enquiries.”
In a statement, Bathgate Mosque in West Lothian said the community had been left "devastated", adding: "During these difficult moments, the family needs our support and prayers.
"We ask Allah to grant Hamdan the highest rank in Jannah and provide the family with sabr (patience) to bear this loss.
It is crucial that we refrain from making assumptions and speculations regarding this tragedy."
Police Scotland said the investigation into the incident is continuing.