Ecstasy warning as boy found in field fights for his life

The body was discovered on land between Perth’s Goodlyburn Primary School and Kingswell Terrace

A SCHOOLBOY was fighting for his life in hospital last night after taking a suspected ecstasy tablet.

The 15-year-old is believed to have been found slumped in a field by a dog walker.

He was discovered around 10pm on Friday in land between Perth’s Goodlyburn Primary School and Kingswell Terrace.

It comes just two weeks after the death of Shellie Callaghan, 16, who fell ill and died following a house party in Newtongrange, Midlothian.

Shellie Callaghan, the 16-year-old who died two weeks earlier

And last week a 13-year-old girl was rushed to hospital after an apparent drugs incident at Williamwood High School in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire.

The latest incident has shocked locals in Perth.

The young victim was with three other boys when he took ill. However, they are understood to have become separated from him, leaving the stricken teenager to be found by the local dog walker, who has been credited with saving his life.

He was taken to Perth Royal Infirmary where a spokeswoman last night confirmed his condition was critical but stable.

The other three boys – who are also believed to have taken the substance – were released after treatment.

Police closed the field and searched the area which is a hotspot for youths to go drink and take drugs in large groups.

One neighbour told The Sunday Post everyone was just pleased the boy was alive.

The local said they had heard the boy might have taken ecstasy before he got into trouble, adding that he and his friends had been “out of their heads”.

“A girl went on to the field with her dog and found him. She phoned the police and the ambulance.”

The same local told us that the area was synonymous with teenagers drinking, adding: “It’s mental the amount of people that go up and down here – its phenomenal.

“There’s a massive field at the back of the college and the school.

“It’s busy with dog walkers and the bairns will go down there to drink and they are constantly smashing bottles and everything.

“The young ones go down and make a hell of a racket and carry-on.

“It’s quite dangerous.”

Social media was full of concern following the incident.

Fiona Louise Matthews wrote on Facebook: “Saw this poor lad last night. Laying on the field outside Goodlyburn. Poor lad was making some noise. His pals were stood around him.”

Local councillor John Flynn said action was needed against people who supply youngsters with drugs.

He said: “I’m glad he’s in hospital and he’s being taken care of.

“It must be a very worrying time for his parents.

“As a councillor I’m concerned these drugs are available and I hope young people will realise how dangerous this is and that they shouldn’t take them.

“But who is selling these drugs?

“I would like to see them apprehended.”

Tayside Chief Inspector Gary Ogilvie said: “One line of inquiry is that all four boys had possibly consumed a type of ecstasy tablet.

“Officers are currently investigating the circumstances of this incident. In the meantime I would urge the public, especially those planning on going out socialising, to be aware of this incident and think twice about taking any unknown substance.

“The only way of staying safe is to avoid drugs altogether.”

Anyone who has information that could assist officers with their investigation are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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