(Facebook)
The student who was stabbed to death at one of Scotland’s most prestigious schools has been named. The Aberdeen Press and Journal identified the victim as 16-year-old Bailey Gwynne. The suspect in the October 28 stabbing is also a 16-year-old student at Cults Academy in Aberdeen.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. He’s Been Described as ‘Very Gentle’
Speaking to the Aberdeen Press and Journal, the school’s principal Anna Muirhead paid tribute to Gwynne, saying “Pupils and staff are in a state of total shock. The boy involved was a very gentle, caring pupil with a lot of friends. I think it’s fair to say the whole school community is totally devastated, but at the moment of course our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends for what they must be going through at this tragic time.”
2. The Suspect Is Co-Operating With Police
Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident at Cults Academy are ongoing and officers will remain at the scene for the time being.
Gwynne was taken to the Royal Aberdeen Infirmary with “serious injuries.” It was later confirmed that he had died. Sky News reports that the suspect is also a student.
(Facebook)
He is a 16-year-old student. The network adds that the suspect is co-operating with police.
PICTURE UPDATE: The scene at #Cults Academy this afternoon after one person taken to hospital after incident.
The Aberdeen Press and Journal reports that police were called to the school at 1:30 p.m. GMT. In a statement, the Aberdeen City Council said “We are aware of a serious incident at Cults Academy. Police are on site. Due to the nature of this incident we will not be issuing further comment.”
3. News of His Death Has Resulted in an Outpouring of Emotion on Twitter
Friends, fellow students and even those who have no connection to Gwynne have taken to Twitter to express their condolences and outrage of the attack.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bailey Gwynne’s family and friends and for all the pupils at Cults Academy.
#BaileyGwynne has been named as the victim of today’s fatal stabbing at #CultsAcademy
One friend, Jae Barclay, wrote a tribute to his friend on Facebook saying “Absolutely terrible what happened today, no one deserves that to happen to them. Such a kind boy who never caused any harm to no one. Thoughts go out to family and friends. Rip man.”
4. The School Is the Largest in Scotland
Scottish soccer star Shaun Maloney is a former student at Cults. (Getty)
The school was Scotland’s school of the year in 2008 as voted for by the Sunday Times newspaper. It is the largest state school in the country. In the BBC report on the stabbing, the area of Cults is referred to as “as one of Aberdeen’s more affluent suburbs.” The school is the alma-mater of Scottish soccer players Darren Ferguson and Shaun Maloney, as well as former Scotland rugby captain Jason White.
5. Scotland Played Host to the Worst School Attack in the UK’s History
Scotland played host to the worst school attack in the history of the United Kingdom. In March 1996, Thomas Hamilton walked into the Dunblane Primary School and killed sixteen children and one teacher before committing suicide.
