Murder hunt after youth, 17, stabbed

A MURDER inquiry has been launched following the death of a 17-year-old youth after he was stabbed in the early hours of yesterday.

Lothian and Borders Police said the teenager, named locally as Dale Bennett, was taken by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary following the attack, but died a short time later from his injuries.

The incident happened in Newbyres Crescent in Gorebridge, near Edinburgh around 2.20am.

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the surrounding residential neighbourhood.

Nearly 700 friends, family and schoolmates have visited a Facebook tribute page to Bennett, who is understood to have been a pupil at Newbattle Community High School in Dalkeith.

Those posting on the social networking site expressed shock. One friend, Natasha Holt, wrote: "R.I.P Dale, just can't believe it, was talking away to u last nyt... u were such a quiet lad and did not deserve to be taken so tragically."

Calvin Smith, posted: "R.I.P buddy miss u loads canny believe u have been taken away from us all, loved by many, certainly wont be forgotten x take care up there man see u one day x."

Emma Henderson added: "Such a sad sad day, put some flowers down for you Dale, can't believe this happened NOBODY deserves that, in a better place now though R.I.P xoxox

Detective Inspector Jim Robertson said: "We are appealing for information in connection with this incident and would ask anyone who was in Newbyres Crescent, Gorebridge early this morning or who has any information that may assist to come forward."