Residents of Coupar Angus are struggling to come to terms with a “devastating” incident that left a 10-year-old boy dead and an eight-year-old girl fighting for her life.
People reacted with horror to local reports that Kane Morris, 10, and the girl had been stabbed in a converted flat on the town’s Union Street.
Kane was pronounced dead at the scene while the other victim was rushed to Ninewells Hospital, where she is said to still be in a critical condition.
A 37-year-old man, was found seriously injured outside the property after falling from a window.
A police spokesperson declined to confirm the incident had involved a stabbing.
Floral tributes, cards and other items were placed near the site where the youngster died.
One teenager had gone with her mother to lay flowers. She said: “A young boy has lost his life for absolutely no reason.
“I found out about it on social media and I’m completely shocked. I just wanted to do something to come and show my respects. It’s devastating.”
One of his former teachers said he had a “wicked sense of humour.”
“He was such a funny, happy little boy. I only taught him for a short time but he just stands out so much – he was the kind of boy that made a mark on you. It is so horrible to think he’s gone.”
Another woman, who volunteers in the town centre close to the family’s home, said she would see Kane “going about the square on his bike. He was just an ordinary wee boy.”
Police forensic specialists continued to work at the scene – a RBS branch that was turned into flats three years ago – after lifting the cordon that had blocked off Union Street throughout Sunday.
The flat’s top floor window was open as officers worked inside and outside the property. The stairwell inside the building was also cordoned off.
Officers carried out door-to-door enquiries, as well as posting patrols at the property and at the local primary school.
Friends of the two children were said to said to be too upset to attend the school and had been kept away.
One parent, who did not wish to be named, said his daughter had been a visitor to the Union Street flat previously.
“I stopped my wee girl going round there and, today, I am so glad that I did. There was always shouting and things.”
Kane’s mother, Laura Gillie works for NHS Tayside. She is separated from the boy’s father and lives less than 100 yards from the scene, in Japp Square.
Neighbours there said Kane was a frequent visitor and would often be seen riding his bike.
“He was an ordinary wee boy. As happy as you like.”
The evening’s community council meeting, due to be held in the town hall, also on Union Street, was cancelled.
Local MSP and deputy first minister John Swinney visited the scene on Monday.
“This is devastating news and my heart goes out to the children and their family and friends,” he said.
“The Coupar Angus community is so close to home for me and the news is literally impossible to comprehend.
“I urge anyone with relevant information to share that with Police Scotland. I will do all that I can to help everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Rev Andrew Graham, the local minister, opened Coupar Angus Abbey to give local people the chance to “take some time to sit and reflect.”
“Our community has been hit very hard by this recent tragic event and many of us are shaken and confused.
“At times like this it can be helpful to take some time out to think and reflect, to seek inner peace for yourself and perhaps to say a prayer for the affected family and for our community.”
Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said: “There will be a police presence at the scene for some time while we undertake our investigation and I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst we carry out our work.
“There will be additional patrols by local community based officers in Coupar Angus to help provide some reassurance to the community.
“If anyone heard or saw anything in the Union Street area, who hasn’t already spoken with officers, I would ask that they call Police Scotland with details.”
