POLICE are continuing to investigate the death of a 16-year-old boy who was amongst a group of youths rushed to hospital, writes Kenny Paterson.
The boy, named locally as Billy Robson of Kelso, was taken into Borders General Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, but died later that morning.
The youngsters were admitted after an incident at an address in Newtown St Boswells. It is believed the other teenagers are all from the village.
Police would not confirm the cause of death as TheSouthern went to press yesterday. A spokesman said: “Lothian and Borders Police are investigating following the death of a 16-year-old male within Borders General Hospital on Tuesday, October 23. Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.”
Dad Stuart, 42, who lives in London, said his son was a keen rugby player and had left Kelso High last year to study agriculture.
He told reporters: “He was a bright, fun, outgoing lad. He had a lot of school and rugby friends. Everybody is devastated.”
Tributes have been paid to Billy on social network site Twitter, including one from his favourite actor Jack O’Connell, a star of Channel 4 teen show Skins.
Mr O’Connell wrote to his friends: “Sorry to hear the bad news lads. All the best and keep the memory alive.”
Another pal wrote: “Can’t stop thinking about you. Miss you so much.”
Selkirkshire councillor Michelle Ballantyne, whose ward includes Newtown, said: “This is a real tragedy.Hopefully everyone will co-operate with the police enquiries to ensure this doesn’t happen again.” An NHS Borders spokeswoman would not comment on the incident.