Police have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a 14-year-old boy at a Glasgow railway station.
Justin McLaughlin was found seriously injured at High Street train station after being attacked with a knife at around 3.45pm on Saturday, October 16.
He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
An extensive investigation into Justin’s death is under way and police are appealing to members of the public to assist with their enquiries.
Detective chief inspector Brian Geddes, of Police Scotland’s major investigation team and the senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts very much remain with Justin’s family and friends. His family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this very difficult time, and they are being supported by specialist officers.
“Although enquiries are at an early stage, what we do know is that an incident took place at High Street train station and we are sure that there will be people who may have witnessed something in the lead up to this.
“The area would have been busy with members of the public and commuters and we are urging those who have any information, no matter how small, to get in contact with police.”
STV NewsJames McParland, Justin’s headmaster at St Ambrose High School in Coatbridge, paid tribute to the teenager and said pupils will be given additional support upon their return to school on Monday.
Mr McPartland said: “The community of St Ambrose High School is shocked and saddened by the death of Justin McLaughlin.
“Justin was a valued member of our community and his loss will be felt by staff and pupils alike.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends, and additional pastoral support will be available to young people within the school on their return on Monday morning.”
Detectives have set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major incident teams based at the Scottish Crime Campus:
Detective inspector Marc Francey, of British Transport Police, said: “This was a shocking act of violence in broad daylight, which has seen a boy tragically lose his life.
“We are working closely with Police Scotland and doing all we can to find those responsible, and I would urge any witnesses, or anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, to contact us as soon as possible.
“We will also be increasing our uniformed patrols in the local area in the coming days to help reassure the travelling public.”
STV NewsPolice Scotland can be contacted by calling 101 and quoting incident number 2280 of Saturday October 16.
BTP can also be contacted by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 394 of 16/10/21.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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