Clackmannanshire town 'in shock' after child's death

Residents of a small Clackmannanshire town have been speaking of their shock after the violent death of a five-year-old boy.

Police have maintained a high-profile presence in Alva since the child was pronounced dead at a house in Carnaughton Place on Friday.

A 32-year-old woman, believed to be the boy's mother, has been detained in connection with the death.

One neighbour said the area had been "floored" by what happened.

A report has been prepared for the procurator fiscal.

Another child, believed to be the boy's sister, is said by police to be safe and well. Neighbours said the family had only recently moved into the area.

Local resident Jean Blair, who was delivering flowers from the town's bowling club, said: "Why in this day and age does this sort of thing have to happen?"

She added: "I've never heard of anything like this happening here before but that's the way life is, isn't it, no logic.

"Everybody in the community's really just floored with the whole thing but hopefully the other wee girl will be fine."

A number of streets have been cordoned off as inquiries into the full circumstances of the incident continue.

Local police commander Ch Insp Stephen Sneddon said: "This is a quiet area and I would emphasise that this is a very unusual incident which poses no risk to others.

"Police officers will be carrying out various enquiries in the area and I would ask the public to continue to give us the full support they have shown so far, to allow us to conclude these investigations as soon as possible and allow the area to return to normal."

Floral tributes have been laid along side teddy bears and a number of candles have been lit by locals outside the house where the boy was found.

David Gibson, a local postal worker, said: "It's quite a shocking thing, isn't it?

"I've seen the boy once or twice wave to me so it's the first time I've ever known someone that something like that's happened to so it's a bit of a shock."

Mr Gibson said many local people were struggling to come to terms with the incident.

He added: "I think some of them are still trying to take it in. They'll be flabbergasted."

Ochil MSP Keith Brown urged residents to support the police investigation in Alva in any way possible.

He said: "I am shocked and saddened to learn of this tragic event, and having represented the community of Alva for over 16 years, I know the community will share these feelings.

"It is now important to allow the police and other emergency services to do their job and carry out a full investigation into the situation.

"I would encourage the local community to continue to support this process."