Glasgow family finds boy ‘hanged on swing’

A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy who was found dead in the garden of his home is ­believed to have become entangled in a rope swing.

Police enquiries are ongoing into the death of the 10-year-old boy. Picture: TSPL

Billy Hughes was on holiday from school for Easter. His family called an ambulance when they found him unconscious at around 9:15pm on Monday.

Paramedics attended the scene of the incident in Garthamlock, Glasgow.

The schoolboy was taken by ambulance to the city’s the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill where he was later pronounced dead.

Last night, Billy’s parents Carole and Scott, were too upset to speak about the tragedy.

Police Scotland said the death was being treated as unexplained and a post-mortem examination was due to be held.

Yesterday, relatives, friends and neighbours paid tribute to Billy, whom they described as “a lovely wee boy”.

On Facebook, his uncle Billy Hendry said: “Words can’t say what I’m feeling. The wee man will be sadly missed by us all. Love you Billy boy. RIP wee chap.”

One neighbour said: “Everybody around here is devastated. Billy was a lovely wee boy. He was very polite and well-­mannered. It’s such a tragedy.

“We have been told that he was out in the garden playing on the swing. He somehow got into difficulties and was unconscious when his family found him.”

David McNulty, headteacher at Avenue End primary school, which Billy attended, said: “This is tragic news and our thoughts and prayers are with Billy’s family at this sad time. We will offer any support needed to our children and staff when they return to school next week.”

Gerry Boyle, Glasgow City councillor for the area, said that regulars at the Garthamlock community group where Billy went to an after-school club were distraught at the news.

He said: “I visited the centre this morning and it was very emotional. I can’t imagine what his family are going through.

“But people in Garthamlock will give them all the practical and emotional support they can at this sad time.”

Paul Martin, Labour MSP for Glasgow Provan, whose constituency includes Garthamlock, said the community would unite to help the family.

“This is really, really sad news. My thoughts are with the family at this terrible time and I send them my condolences.

“I know the sort of community Garthamlock is and they will give the family their full support. Everyone knows each other and it is a close-knit ­community.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that at around 9:40pm on Monday we received a report of a sudden death of a ten-year-old boy in his garden. A post mortem will be held in due course.”