Residents in Coupar Angus have spoken of their shock after a young boy died and an eight-year-old girl was left fighting for her life after an alleged attack in their tight-knit town.
The 10-year-old boy, named locally as Kane Morris, was discovered by police in a property in Union Street, Coupar Angus, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The girl was being treated at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for “serious and life-threatening injuries”.
Officers were called to the flat by a member of the public at 2.30am and found an injured man nearby. The 37-year-old has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Union Street was cordoned off for all of Sunday as detectives scoured the scene for evidence.
Forensic searches are continuing at the property today with three specialist officers spotted at the house.
Two police vans, a command unit and one police car remain at the scene.
The stairway inside the home has been taped up, while there is also activity directly outside the property.
Local people have been placing floral tributes at the scene.
One local teenage girl, who brought a bunch of flowers, said: “A young 10-year-old boy has lost his life for absolutely no reason. I found out about it on social media and I’m completely shocked.
“I just wanted to do something to come and show my respects.”
Another passerby added: “My son has just moved up here from London to get away from the violence. This is completely unbelievable.
“This kind of thing doesn’t happen in Coupar Angus.”
A hand-written tribute note, left with lilies and roses, was left nearby. It read: “To Kane, I will remember you and I miss you.”
One local, who asked not to be named, said: “This is usually a quiet place. You would never expect something like this to happen here.
“I hope the wee girl pulls through. It doesn’t bear thinking about.”
Another woman said: “It is absolutely heartbreaking. Two innocent children who should have been tucked up in bed and this has happened to them. It’s awful.”
Another resident said: “I didn’t see anything during the night but people were taken out of houses nearby as it all happened.
“It is a total shock – this is a small town, more like a village really, and it is a tight-knit community.”
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said: “I am horrified by the news from Coupar Angus that a child has lost his life and another child is in a critical condition.
“This is devastating news and my heart goes out to the children and their family and friends. The Coupar Angus community is so close to home for me and the news is literally impossible to comprehend.
“I urge anyone with relevant information to share that with Police Scotland. I will do all that I can to help everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Chief Inspector Ian Scott said: “At this time, our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the young boy who has died in this incident and with the young girl who remains in a serious condition in hospital.
BREAKING a forensic search continues at the scene of the alleged attack in Coupar Angus. pic.twitter.com/NpwDrmQNBo
— PJ Meiklem (@pjmeiklem) November 12, 2018
“I can confirm that a 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident.
“Inquiries are ongoing, however I believe this to have been an isolated and contained incident with no threat to the wider public.
“There will be a police presence at the scene for some time while we undertake our investigation and I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst we carry out our work.
“There will be additional patrols by local community based officers in Coupar Angus to help provide some reassurance to the community.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 0611.
