Tributes to 'kind and caring' teen killed in beach stabbing

Tributes have been paid to a "kind and caring" 16-year-old boy who died after a stabbing on Irvine Beach at the weekend.

Kayden Moy, from East Kilbride, was in a disturbance involving a large group of teenagers at 18:45 on Saturday. He died in hospital on Sunday.

His mum Ashley posted on social media that the death was a "devastating loss" for the family.

Police Scotland said a 17-year-old boy had been arrested and charged over the incident. He is due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

The force said a large number of people were on the Ayrshire beach on Saturday - one of the warmest days of the year in Scotland - and may have filmed footage of the incident.

In a statement, Kayden's family said: "Kayden will be sorely missed by his parents and two younger brothers.

"He was loved by so many and that is shown in the huge number of heartfelt messages we have received since his death.

"We would like to thank everyone who has shown us support over these last few days."

Kayden's mum Ashley also thanked customers on the Facebook page for her beauty therapy business for sending messages of support.

She said: "Your kindness has provided so much comfort during this incredibly difficult time as we navigate the devastating loss of our son, Kayden."

The teenager was remembered by staff at his former school, Duncanrig Secondary, as being "full of character."

Annette Alexander, head teacher at Duncanrig Secondary in East Kilbride, said pupils and staff were "deeply shocked and saddened" by the incident.

She said: "Kayden was a kind and caring young man and full of character. He touched the lives of many within our school community.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Kayden's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

"He will be greatly missed, but he will always be remembered with affection in our school."

The teenager previously played for football club Busby AFC, which has launched a fundraising appeal for Kayden's family.

It said in a statement: "The Club was devastated to find out that Kayden Moy sadly lost his life recently after being the victim of a knife attack.

"Kayden played in our youth set-up for several years and it has hit everyone hard.

"We are aware that nothing will ever replace the life of an individual but we hope that this fundraising will help Kayden's family at this extremely difficult time."

South Lanarkshire Council said the local authority would offer support to school pupils affected by the death, which it described as a "tragic event".

On Sunday, Kayden's father Paul had called his son "my best friend" in a post on social media.

He wrote: "My first born son, my big boy, my best friend, my main man, my everything, rest easy my boy."

Det Ch Insp Campbell Jackson of Police Scotland's major investigations team, said: "We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public.

"We have a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation and I am again asking anyone who may have information which could help us and who has not yet come forward, to please contact us.

"No matter how small it may seem, it may be the key piece we need. I would like to thank the community in both Irvine and East Kilbride for their support so far."

Supt Jim McMillan added: "This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident for not just those at Irvine Beach on Saturday, but for Kayden's family, friends and the wider communities affected. We are engaging with the communities in both Irvine and East Kilbride.

"There continues to be a police presence in the area and additional patrols will be carried out where required. I would urge anyone with question or concern to approach a local officer - they are there to help."

Tributes on social media from friends called the teenager "one in a million" and said he would be hugely missed

Social media posts suggested dozens of teenagers had been among those who witnessed the incident on Irvine beach.

In Irvine, people told BBC Scotland News that trouble breaking out on the beach was not a surprise.

Revati Campbell, who stays in Glasgow, said: "I've seen a lot of different high school fights happen on this beach. The fact one of them has resulted in a death is so shattering."

Her friend Maya Spanabel added: " It's just so sad, especially with the people involved being so young."

Taylor Logue, from Irvine, said knife crime was now "hitting so close to home" for people in the area.

She said: "You notice it in Glasgow, but not on the coast as well - it's not really something you hear about. Now you're thinking it could happen two feet away from you."

Members of the public with any information about the death are being urged to contact Police Scotland with details.

Police have also set up a portal where people can send information directly to the major investigation team.