Tributes for dead Alva boy, five, as mother held
Tributes were laid outside the house in the Clackmannanshire village of Alva where the boy was discovered on Friday. His mother has been detained by police and is due to appear in court in connection with his death.
Police yesterday kept a high-profile presence after the alarm was raised on Friday morning, when the boy was found to have suffered a “significant injury”.
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Hide AdHe was later pronounced dead by ambulance staff, who are understood to have been called to the scene by a member of the public.
Teddy bears were left outside the house, along with bunches of flowers.
One bear held a sign which read: “Dear God. WHY???”
Several candles were also lit by local people.
Streets were cordoned off as forensic officers were seen searching the area.
A police mobile incident room and communications van was parked nearby.
Anne Blair, who delivered flowers from the local bowling club, told the BBC: “I’m so sorry to hear about the youngster’s death. Why in this day and age? There is just no logic to it.”
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Postal worker David Gibson said the boy had waved to him a few times while he was making his deliveries. Gibson said people were “flabbergasted”.
Among tributes on social media site Twitter, Alana McGrath tweeted: “So heartbreaking about the beautiful boy in Alva.”
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Hide AdPaula Louise Ramsay, from Glasgow, tweeted: “Can’t even take in the news about that poor wee boy in Alva. Horrific. Hope he’s resting in peace.”
Sophy Black tweeted: “RIP to the little boy that died in Alva.”
Erin Greer, from Grangemouth, tweeted: “Such a shame about that wee boy found dead in Alva.”
Bethany, from Stirling, tweeted: “Horrible hearing about the little boy in Alva, poor wee soul.”
The Crown Office said yesterday the woman remained detained in police custody, and a petition warrant had been granted. It said no date has been given for the woman to appear in court.
Clackmannanshire police commander Chief Inspector Stephen Sneddon said: “Police officers will be carrying out various enquiries in the area and I would ask the public to continue to give us the full support they have shown so far.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Following the death of a five-year-old boy in Carnaughton Place, Alva, around 8.50am on Friday, police can confirm that a 32-year-old woman has been detained and that a report is being prepared for the procurator fiscal.”
The family are understood to have moved to the area recently. The boy had a sister, who is understood to have been unharmed.
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