Boy, 16, confirmed dead in Peebles

Police have confirmed a 16-year-old boy has died in Peebles.

Emergency services raced to the town's Priorsford Bridge area after the alarm was raised around 5.40am this morning (Wednesday).

Part of Kingsmeadows Road - one of the main routes to Peebles High School - was closed.

And parents were sent messages from education officials advising them to avoid the bridge, which crosses the River Tweed.

But both have since reopened.

The teenager's death has shocked the Borders community, where there remains a strong police presence this afternoon.

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Tweeddale councillor Julie Pirone - who chairs the Scottish Borders Safer Communities board - said: “Obviously, we are a town in mourning today, hearing this tragic, tragic news of a young person’s death in the middle of our town.

"As a mother, my heart goes out to this young boy’s family and his friends having to deal with such loss.

"There will be support within the school for our young people who need it. And to anyone, anyone who is struggling or feels desperate at the moment,  no matter their age: please talk, please reach out, there are people to help you and my door is always open to help.”

The local beauty spot was busy with youngsters passing to and from the local High School on their lunch break this afternoon.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for a person near to Victoria Park in Peebles shortly after 5.40am on Wednesday, March 20th.

“A 16-year-old male was pronounced dead at the scene.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”

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