‘Heartbreaking’ - Edinburgh reacts to death of toddler as man arrested over Muirhouse incident

Edinburgh Evening News readers have been reacting to the tragic death of a toddler in the city this morning.

Emergency services were called to a property in Muirhouse Place West where a two-year-old boy was found seriously injured - but the child died a short time later.

Police said a 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and inquiries are ongoing.

Hundreds of tributes have been posted by Evening News readers in response to the tragedy.

A police officer stands outside the doorway to the block of flats in Muirhouse Place West.

Among them was Pearl Buchanan, who wrote: “So heartbreaking, children are so precious, RIP little one.”

Another, Pauline Downie, wrote: “Fly high with the angels wee one.”

Bridget Barr wrote: “Poor wee boy. God bless.”

Patrycja Damala said: “RIP little angel. You will always be in our hearts.”

Elizabeth Mcmillan Russell said: “Devastating news.”

Pictures taken from the scene in Muirhouse on Saturday showed the entrance to a block of flats taped off and a police officer standing outside the doorway. Forensic officers were also seen entering the building.

Chief Inspector David Happs, from Drylaw Police Station, said: "Around 9.30am on Saturday, 21 November, 2020, officers and emergency services were called to an address in the Muirhouse area of Edinburgh where a two-year-old child was found seriously injured. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

"A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident and enquiries are at an early stage and ongoing."

"We understand an incident such as this can cause distress and alarm to the local community. There will be a continued police presence in the area as we conduct enquiries."

"Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should report this to police on 101, quoting incident number 1010 of 21 November."

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