Tributes To Pupil Killed In School Stabbing

Tributes have been paid to a 16-year-old pupil who was fatally stabbed at a secondary school.

Bailey Gwynne was attacked in a "shocking incident" at Cults Academy in Aberdeen at lunchtime on Thursday.

He was taken by ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with serious injuries but died a short time later in hospital.

Officers are questioning another pupil, also aged 16, who they detained following the stabbing within the school building.

Writing on her public blog to staff, Aberdeen City Council chief executive Angela Scott said: "I know that there were individual acts of heroism at the school yesterday and I fully appreciate that there were sights and experiences for many that you simply do not expect to have to face."

She paid tribute to head teacher Anna Muirhead and her team at the school, saying they are putting measures in place to make sure pupils, parents and staff are given the support they need following the "heart-breaking" incident.

She also wrote: "The anguish being suffered by parents, family and friends is unimaginable and I am certain I speak for us all in expressing the deepest sympathy to them."

Ms Muirhead said the school was "totally devastated" at the student's death.

She said: "The boy involved was a very gentle, caring pupil, with a lot of friends.

"At the moment of course our thoughts are all with the boy's close family and his friends and what they must be going through at this tragic time."

People also took to social media to express their shock at the student's death.

On Twitter, @RoryMcGregor2 wrote: "Condolences to the family and friends of Bailey. Cults Academy won't be the same without you."

A tribute from @AndrewNeill43 stated: "Rest In Peace Bailey."

And @sophiathain posted: "Absolutely horrific news, such an innocent boy's life has been taken. Thoughts go out to Bailey's family and friends."

In a tweet, @annamccluskeyxx said: "Can't believe what happened today. RIP Bailey.

"Thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends."

A Facebook page has also been set up in tribute to the pupil.

A candlelit vigil is to be held this evening at nearby Cults Parish Church.

Parish minister Rev Ewen Gilchrist, part of the school's chaplaincy team, said: "There is a sense of shock and horror in the community.

"The academy is a very important part of this parish and the wider community."

Chief Inspector Graeme Mackie said: "This is a shocking and extraordinary incident for Aberdeen, and firstly our thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who has sadly lost his life today.

"A full and thorough inquiry has been launched and there will be a police presence in the area for the foreseeable future.

"We are working closely with the education authorities and wider community as I am sure this incident will be felt not only in Aberdeen but much further afield."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Twitter: "All my thoughts are with the family & friends of the young man who has tragically died at Cults Academy today."

Cults Academy has more than 1,000 pupils and is in an affluent suburb of Aberdeen.

The school is described on its website as a six-year comprehensive serving the Lower Deeside area.

The academy has previously topped the Scottish Schools league table on the basis of its exam results.