Police investigate final hours of tragic teen who died after collapsing on bus in bid to solve mystery
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Detectives are trying to piece together the last hours of a schoolboy who died on a bus in a bid to solve the mysterious tragedy.
Blake Ross, 13, was discovered collapsed on a number four bus at 4pm on Monday in central Edinburgh after vanishing from his home in the Howdenhall area of the Scottish capital on Saturday.
The lad, who was diabetic and needed daily medication, was rushed to the city's Royal Hospital for Sick Children but died hours later, reports the Daily Record .
But last night police were treating the death as unexplained following a major search after he went missing without his medication.
Blake, who has four brothers, was under an “open care arrangement” with the city council’s social work department and went to school in a special unit.
The local authority is also probing the death riddle.
A source said: “An open care arrangement is when a child needs some kind of support, either at home or with education. He was schooled in a unit but was living elsewhere.”
Edinburgh City Council said: “We are deeply shocked at Blake’s sudden death and our thoughts are with his family.
(Photo: Daily Record)
“We will continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland as they carry out their enquiries.
“The Care Inspectorate has been informed and there will be a multi-agency significant case review, commissioned by Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, in accordance with our procedures.”
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) will look into police involvement in the case.
Police Scotland said: “As in all matters concerning police contact before death, we will provide any necessary assistance to the PIRC.”
Tributes have poured in for the youngster who was an avid Hearts FC fan, whose disappearance sparked a huge response on social media sites.
Blake’s aunt Karen Robertson wrote online: “Would like to thank everyone for sharing.
“Without social media we would not have found him. So from all the family, thank you.
Karen added: “Love you to the moon and back wee man. Love, Aunty Karen and Uncle Allan xx.”
It was initially understood that Blake had been found safe and well, and those reports added to the shock of some mourners.
CarolAnn Blaikie wrote: “I was so happy when it was reported Blake had been found! RIP Blake. Thoughts with his family.”
Carra Turnbull added: “Blake was so kind to my daughter and helped her when they had karate together.”
Superintendent Lesley Clark of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh Division said: “This is a tragic death of a young boy and our thoughts are with Blake’s family at this very difficult time.
“We will be working with our relevant partners to provide them with all the support and assistance they require.
“In addition, we will be continuing our investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding Blake’s death.
“We would ask anyone with information about Blake’s movements between the afternoon of Saturday February 11 and Monday February 13 to contact us on 101.”