Family appeal for information on M9 teen death

THE devastated family of a boy found dead on the M9 motorway have made an appeal for information about his death.
Michael Easton, who was found dead on the M9 motorway. Picture: Police Scotland/ PAMichael Easton, who was found dead on the M9 motorway. Picture: Police Scotland/ PA
Michael Easton, who was found dead on the M9 motorway. Picture: Police Scotland/ PA

Michael Easton, 13, was described as a “quiet and well-behaved boy” by his family after he was found on the westbound carriageway of the M9, between junction 5 and junction 6 at 5:40am on Saturday morning.

Ambulance crews were called but Michael was pronounced dead at the scene.

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He was last seen at 9:50pm on Friday in Grangemouth town centre and was expected at his home in the nearby town of Polmont in Falkirk at about that time.

Police officers are trying to establish exactly how he died, but believe he may have been hit by a car.

His family have asked anyone who may have information about what happened to Michael to contact the police.

In a statement the family said: “We have all been left utterly devastated by the death of our beloved Michael and are still trying to come to terms with our loss.

“Michael was a quiet and well-behaved boy, who never caused any trouble and who would have helped anybody. He loved his family deeply.

“It is difficult not knowing exactly what happened to Michael and we would ask that anyone who knows anything that can help the police with their investigation to pick up the phone.

“We would finally like to thank everyone for all of their kind words and messages of support at this very difficult time.

“However, we would now ask our privacy be respected to grieve for our son, brother and friend.”

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Detective Inspector Graeme Hendry said: “We are still in the early stages of trying to establish what happened to Michael and we believe motorists who were on the M9 around 9:50pm on Friday night can be of assistance to us.

“Anyone who was travelling on the road at this time and remembers seeing anything that can help our investigation is asked to contact police on 101 immediately.

“Similarly, any driver or vehicle passenger who believes that they may have witnessed anything, or been involved in a collision in or around this time is also asked to come forward.”

DI Hendry also said that the police were particularly appealing to motorists who may have been in the area of Cadger’s Brae intersection after 9:50pm on Friday, 26 April to contact them.

He added: “They may have information relating to this which they may think is insignificant. However, it may be relevant to helping us.”

He has also appealed for motorists who were in the area at the time to check their cars for damage as there is the possibility they hit the teenager.

He said: “I need to establish who was in the area. Come forward and let us investigate the circumstances.

“We need to find out what happened to him for the family and to assist our investigation.”

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DI Hendry said it was possible that Michael died some time before he was discovered on Saturday morning.

He added: “Michael was a 13-year-old boy, he used to stay in Grangemouth before moving to the Polmont area.

“He went to school in Grangemouth and all his pals stay in the Grangemouth area, so like any 13-year-old he was out playing with his pals.”

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