By April Mitchinson

A FAMILY, a school and a community in Dundee was last night mourning the loss of an 11-year-old boy found dead in his bedroom.

Police formally identified the youngster as Paul Meek, who lived in Balgowan Square, Kirkton, and was a pupil at Sidlaw View Primary School.

Tayside Police has said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the primary seven pupil’s death and that, as with all sudden deaths, a report had been submitted to the procurator fiscal.

The family, who have been assigned a police family liaison officer, were too upset to speak publicly last night.

Paul was discovered in his bedroom shortly before 6pm on Thursday.

The tragedy has shocked residents of the tight-knit Kirkton community where he lived.

“I used to see him playing football and stuff. We lost a wee laddie from the square last night,” one local resident said yesterday.

Another added, “He seemed like a happy-go-lucky kind of boy.”

Teachers broke the news to Paul’s class—who have been left devastated by the tragedy—yesterday morning.

Sidlaw View head teacher Denise McCaffery said, “Everyone at the school is deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic news.

“The thoughts of the whole school and the education department are with the family at this time.

“Support has been provided for pupils at the school today.”

Local councillors have also expressed their sadness at the tragedy and offered messages of support to the family.

Strathmartine Ward councillor Ian Borthwick said, “It is an extremely tragic occurrence, especially in one so young, and I sincerely hope the family are receiving all the necessary support from friends, relatives and, if appropriate, the authorities.”

Councillor Borthwick said it was important Paul’s classmates were also supported through a difficult time.

“I think we have got to be straight with the children and be very sensitive to their emotions at this time.”

Councillor Borthwick’s comments were echoed by Strathmartine ward councillor Stewart Hunter, who said, “My heart goes out to the family.

“I have got a young child myself and I can only imagine what they are going through.

“It is bad enough when anybody loses their life but when it is one so young and in such circumstances it is just so tragic.”