Boy, 14, who died at St Kentigern’s Academy in West Lothian after 'isolated incident' named locally

A schoolboy who died following an incident at a West Lothian school on Tuesday has been named locally.

Hamdan Aslam was pronounced dead after emergency crews were called to St Kentigern’s Academy on June 6 amid reports of a concern for a teenager.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance, but died a short time later.

Bathgate Mosque paid tribute to the 14-year-old, from the Greenrigg and Harthill area.

In a post on social media, they wrote: “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.

“The recent passing of Hamdan of Greenrigg/Harthill, son of Aslam and Robiena, has left the community devastated, especially with the loss of a young life.

“During these difficult moments, the family needs our support and prayers. We ask Allah (swt) 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.

“We will notify the community once the Janaza has been confirmed, and we request everyone to show respect and compassion towards the family in this challenging time.

“May Allah (swt) grant us all the strength to cope with this loss and keep Hamdan’s soul in our prayers.”

The school said that the incident was “isolated within the school grounds”, and emotional support and signposting for students affected by the incident had been set up.

A statement posted on the school’s website 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.

“We have set up emotional support and signposting for students affected by today’s incident and are unable to comment further at this time due to an ongoing police investigation.”

Local MSP, Fiona Hyslop said: “My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the pupil who has died. I hope those closest to him are given the privacy they deserve at this tragic time.

“This will be an incredibly difficult time for everyone – not least the pupils, teachers and staff at St Kentigern’s Academy. The support being offered at the school will be crucially important right now – and, in my capacity as their MSP, I will do everything I can to help the community through this awful situation.”

In a statement, headteacher Andrew Sharkey said: “Everyone in our school community has been devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of our students.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and we extend our deepest condolences and offers of support.

“We have set up on going emotional support and signposting for students and staff affected by this tragic news.

“We would like to respect the family’s privacy at this incredibly painful time.

“We are assisting the relevant authorities with their investigation to establish the facts and we will not be making any further comment at this time.”