Tragedy as teenager, 16, dies after being ‘stabbed to death’ at Scots beach

A TEENAGER has tragically died after being "stabbed to death" at a Scots beach.

Mercy crews raced to Irvine Beach, in North Ayrshire, on Saturday after the alarm was raised around 6:45pm.

Crowded beach with people swimming and sunbathing.
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Cops raced to Irvine Beach on Saturday nightCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

The 16-year-old, from East Kilbride, was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.

He died today and his family are aware.

Cops are appealing to anyone who may have mobile phone footage to get in touch.

Detectives have also set up a website that gives members of the public access to a form to send information directly to the Major Investigation Team, which can be submitted anonymously.

Elsewhere, in a separate incident, a teenager was charged with attempted murder after a lad was allegedly knifed at Edinburgh's Portobello Beach.

Armed cops were called at around 7.40pm on Friday following reports of a "large-scale disturbance".

It comes as thousands flocked to beaches across the country amid scorching 24C temperatures.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson, Major Investigations Team, said: “An extensive investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death. Our officers are supporting the boy’s family at this very difficult and heartbreaking time.

“From our investigation so far, we know there were a number of people on the beach around the time of the disturbance. We believe several of them were filming at the time and may have footage of what happened.

“I would urge people to review the footage they have and contact police if they think the footage captured could be of significance to our investigation.”

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Members of the public took to social media to react to the tragic news.

One person wrote: "Honestly, so worrying. All this makes you just want to keep your weans inside and not let them out of your sight.

"Terrible, a kid going to the beach for a day out and never returning to his family.

"Thoughts are with the friends and family, people need to stop this with carrying blades."

Superintendent Jim McMillan said: "We understand this death will be of great concern for the local community, but please be assured that we are doing everything we can to identify those involved.

"There will be additional patrols in the area as we carry out our enquiries and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3106 of Saturday, 17 May, 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.