Post-mortem to take place to find cause of death of Hamdan Aslam, 14, as it’s branded ‘parent’s worst nightmare’

A POST-mortem has taken place to establish the cause of death of a 14-year-old boy who died after a scuffle in the playground.

Hamdan Aslam collapsed on Tuesday after a lunchtime tussle at St Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian.

It’s understood emergency services were called to the school after an incident involving two pupils at around 1.20pm.

It is believed another lad, also aged 14, was involved in the incident.

Medics worked to save Hamdan and he was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.

However, he tragically died a short time later.

Officers have launched an investigation into the incident and a post-mortem was due to take place on Thursday to establish how the teen died.

Fresh tributes have poured in for the tragic youngster after the shocking news spread yesterday.

Beautiful fresh flowers have been left outside the school, which was formerly attended by Scots superstar Lewis Capaldi.

Many wrote touching notes and offered messages of support for Hamdan's devasted family.

A heartfelt message on one bouquet read: "Fly high, you will be missed by so many.

"Gone but never forgotten, you will always have a special place in our hearts.

"Miss and love you. Rest in peace, angel".

Another said: "Your precious life gone too quickly. May you est in peace forever."

Last night, Hamdan's cousin  Zain Mohammed said: “He was a good boy and so family oriented.

“We can’t believe he is gone. It’s a devastating loss. We loved him very much.”

Another family member, cousin Sana Khaliq said: “With a heavy heart our cousin Hamdan from Harthill passed away.

“May Allah bless him with a place in the highest heaven. Please remember the family in prayers during this difficult time”.

Local MSP, Fiona Hyslop raised the incident during First Minister's Questions at Holyrood today.

She said the boy's family are facing an "unimaginable heartache", as she stressed the importance of not speculating on the cause and protecting their privacy.

Ms Hyslop also urged the First Minister to ensure any lessons learned from the boy's death are implemented.

Responding, Humza Yousaf said: "This is the worst tragedy, anybody who is a parent will know there cannot be a worse fear, a worse nightmare, that any parent has than losing a child, so I cannot think what the family are going through."

The community in West Lothian, including the wider school community, has been "deeply, deeply affected" by the death, the First Minister said.

He added: "I would echo Fiona Hyslop's calls, both in terms of not speculating on what has happened - there will be an appropriate investigation and, of course, absolutely, lessons should be learned not just by the local authority and educational institutions but of course there may well be lessons for Government to consider as well."

Last night sources at the school described events as “an accident”.
Andrew Sharkey, headteacher at St Kentigerns, said pupils are being offered support after being informed of Hamdan’s death at a special assembly yesterday.

He said: “We have set up ongoing emotional support and signposting for the students and staff affected by this tragic news.

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

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

“Young people can receive counselling and there is additional support from the staff.

“The teachers are there to help them, the counsellors are there to help them and we will do everything we can in the coming days, weeks and months to look after our young people in this community.”

In a joint statement, councillors Jim and Mary Dickson, who represent Whitburn and Blackburn on West Lothian Council, said: “It is with great sadness in the community that along with everyone else we have been devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of St. Kentigern’s Academy pupils.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
“I note that there is ongoing emotional support for students and staff affected by this tragic news.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.20pm on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023, officers were called to a report of concern for a 14-year-old boy at a school in the Bathgate area.

“He was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment but died a short time later.

“His family have been informed and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.”

Last night Hamdan’s family said they were too heartbroken to speak at the family home.

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