School Stabbing: Family Tribute To 'Beloved Boy'

The family of murdered Aberdeen schoolboy Bailey Gwynne say their "hearts have gone with him".

"There are no words. Bailey is our beloved boy and our heart," the 16-year-old's family said in an emotional statement.

They described him as "a special son, brother, grandson and friend - he never failed to make us smile (most of the time). He will always be our boy.

"We don't know what we will do without our junior 'man about the house'."

A 16-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the stabbing, which took place at lunchtime on Wednesday at the Cults Academy in Aberdeen.

Hundreds of friends, fellow pupils, parents and staff took part in a candlelit vigil at the Cults Parish Church on Thursday evening.

Attendance was so high, many sat in the aisles of the church for the duration of the informal ceremony.

Rev Ewen Gilchrist of the Church of Scotland Cults Parish, who led the service, said: "We don't want to fill the vigil time with words.

"We don't tell people what to feel or what to think. But we do want to provide a safe and healing place where people can bring their hurt, their bewilderment, their questions, their sadness and even their anger."

Police Scotland has described the attack as "a contained incident" and confirmed they are not looking for anyone else.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Watson told Sky News: "With nigh-on 30 years in the police service as a senior investigating officer and for the past six years as commander for Aberdeen, you think that you have seen it all until you learn of yesterday's tragic events."

Students and teachers at Cults Academy have also paid tribute to the teenager.

Fellow fifth year student Jack Oliphant: "He always dreamed of being a marine, whenever we went to the gym that is just what he wanted to do."

Psychologists, social workers, counsellors and nurses are at the school and will continue to provide support to students when the Academy reopens on Monday.

Leader of Aberdeen City Council Jenny Laing said: "When you send your children to school you expect them to be in a place of safety and in a place where you will be equipped for your life ahead.

"That opportunity has been denied to Bailey."

Two teachers who tried to save teenager after the stabbing incident have been described as "heroic".

The 16-year-old charged in connection with Bailey's death is expected to appear in court in Aberdeen on Friday.