Boy, 16, Due In Court Over Bailey Gwynne Death
A 16-year-old boy is due in court in connection with the death of Bailey Gwynne, who died following an incident at an Aberdeen secondary school.
A 16-year-old boy is due in court in connection with the death of Bailey Gwynne, who died following an incident at an Aberdeen secondary school.
The teenager is expected to appear in private at the city's sheriff court after being charged in connection with it yesterday.
Bailey, 16, was taken to hospital with serious injuries after police were called to the school at about 1.30pm on Wednesday but died a short time later.
His family have paid tribute to their beloved boy'' and said there were no words to describe their loss.Our hearts have gone with him,'' they said.
''A special son, brother, grandson and friend - he never failed to make us smile (most of the time). He will always be our boy.
''We don't know what we will do without our junior 'man about the house'.
''We need time now to look after each other and send our love to all those who care for Bailey.''
Hundreds of the fifth-year-pupil's friends and fellow pupils attended a vigil the local Parish Church on Thursday night, where candles were lit and messages of condolence written.
Rev Ewen Gilchrist said he hoped that the number attending would offer Bailey's family a bit of light in the darkness''.
Chaplain John Ferguson said: ''My hope is that the love in this community will help Bailey's family and get us all through the coming days.
''Bailey in his life knew love and for that we can all be thankful.
Head teacher Anna Muirhead has described Bailey as ''gentle and caring'', and told of the shock within the community following his death.
Aberdeen City Council chief executive Angela Scott said in her blog to staff there had been individual acts of heroism'' at the school.
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Adrian Watson told a press conference in the city: ''I can confirm we have charged a 16-year-old male in connection with the incident and he will be appearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
''I need to stress that all the evidence gathered to date suggests that this is a contained incident and we are not looking for anyone else.''
Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing said: ''When you send your children to school you expect them to be in a place of safety and in a place where they will be equipped for their life ahead. That opportunity has been denied to Bailey.''
She said the loss of life ''represents a unique set of circumstances and is extremely rare, if not unheard of, in our city and its schools''.
Hundreds of floral tributes and messages have been left at the school gates, including one that read: ''Bailey, forever in our hearts. My thoughts are with your family at this tragic time and with my fellow students who have shock and despair at you leaving us.''
One friend told how Bailey enjoyed going to the gym and said he thought he had plans to join the Marines.
At First Minister's Questions, Nicola Sturgeon said the thoughts of MSPs at Holyrood were with Bailey's loved ones and those affected by the death.
She also stressed that such incidents are ''extremely rare in our schools'' and pledged the Scottish Government would learn any lessons which need to be learned.
Counselling is being made available to pupils and staff at the school, which is closed until Monday.
A dedicated phone line has been set up for those affected on 01224 264299.