Boy, 10, dies after accident at works site in Glasgow

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Flowers at construction site
Image caption,

Floral tributes have been placed at the site

A 10-year-old boy has died following an accident at a works site in Glasgow.

Shea Ryan died in hospital after suffering serious injuries on the site near Glenkirk Drive in Drumchapel on Thursday evening.

His name was confirmed by his grandparents, Janis Meechan and William Brown, who told BBC Scotland Shea was a "good boy".

Police said their inquiries into his death were continuing but it was not being treated as suspicious.

Emergency services were called to the site at 21:55 on Thursday.

Shea was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hospital for Children on the Queen Elizabeth campus in Glasgow. He died soon after arriving.

'He was a good boy'

His grandparents were among those who laid floral tributes at the site on Friday.

"We think our wee granddaughter was there when he fell," Ms Meechan said.

"We've just came up to put these flowers down and then we'll get him a big grandson flower.  

"He was a good boy," she said. "Wild, but good".

When Shea's grandfather found out what happened he said:  "I thought I was hearing things".  

Image caption,

His grandparents said they saw Shea all the time

Work was being carried out on the site by agencies including Scottish Water to address flooding problems from the Garscadden Burn.

On Friday a children's slide that had been taped off could be seen at the very edge of the construction site with police standing guard.

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it was assisting police with their inquiries.

Image caption,

The police investigation is being supported by the Health and Safety Executive

Margaret Coyle, head teacher at Camstradden Primary School where Shea went to school, said they were devastated to learn of his death.

"In the short period of time Shea's been with us at the school he has made many friends with school staff and the children," she added.

"Everyone will be shocked to learn of his death and we will do all that we can to offer support to the family and wider community in Drumchapel."

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Gary Copland was driving to the local garage when he saw the large police presence on Thursday.

"I saw all the lights and the sirens and I pulled in. I was like 'That isn't normal. That's not the average response to see police running down a hill towards something,'" he explained.

Mr Copland said the gaps in the construction site fence concerned him as a father himself because of the "major excavation" that was taking place.

"There are gaps in the fence and parts of the fence that have been torn down and replaced but because of Covid-19 I don't think a lot of people have been going round to check on it," he said.

"I think there has to be a consideration into security now, maybe more personnel here at night as a deterrent or more signs, something instead of just a fence with holes.

"The site just looks like a big sandy hill to a kid. It's devastating. Your heart goes out to them".

Image caption,

Police officers remained at the scene overnight

A Drumchapel resident who heard the sirens, Agnes Ball, said the small community would pull together in the "heartbreaking" and "tragic" accident.

Tributes to the 10-year-old have been posted on social media from "devastated" Drumchapel residents.

'My heart is breaking'

A post on a community Facebook page said: "So sorry to wake up and see this. Every parents worst nightmare. RIP wee angel. Thinking of all the family at this heartbreaking time."

Another post said: "This is absolutely heartbreaking. May god bless all his family and friends. Also sending love to Drumchapel. Life is so cruel."

"R.I.P little man, such terrible news, my heart is breaking for your family & friends, another life taken too soon xxx," read another contribution.