Headteacher pays tribute to 'kind' Edinburgh boy killed in bin lorry crash

A headteacher has led tributes to the “kind” schoolboy who died after being hit by a bin lorry while riding his bike in Edinburgh.

Emergency services rushed to Whitehouse Road, near the junction with Braehead Road, at around 8.20am on Friday after receiving reports of a lorry colliding with a bicycle.

The 11-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the bin lorry was uninjured.

People have left flowers near the road where the boy was hit. STV News

It marks the second time in a month a child has died after being hit by a bin lorry. A girl, also 11, died in hospital on February 7, a week after being hit by a vehicle in the Borders.

Following the news of the crash in Edinburgh on Friday, headteacher Helen Donaldson said Cramond Primary School is “utterly devastated by the tragic news of the sudden death of one our pupils”.

She said: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

“He was always smiling. He was a positive, friendly and curious member of our school community.

“He was kind and always eager to support others, and will be greatly missed by all of us.”

Edinburgh education convener councillor Joan Griffiths added: “I am absolutely devastated to hear this tragic news and my immediate thoughts are with the pupil’s family, friends and classmates.

“My heartfelt sympathies go out to the whole school community and anyone who has been affected by what has happened.

“We will be providing support to pupils and all the staff at the school.”

The 11-year-old boy was hit on Friday morning while riding his bike. STV News

Police Scotland said enquiries into the death are ongoing.

Inspector Andrew Thomson, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the boy’s family and friends at this time”

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I would urge anyone who may have information which has not yet been passed to Police to get in touch.

“I would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area.

“Specially trained officers are supporting the family at this time.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 0578 of March 1.”